#USA #Washington Trust #Westerly, RI #Daryl Clark #Forbes CTOs

Daryl Clark Recognized Among America's Top CTOs

In an impressive acknowledgment of his contributions to the tech landscape, Daryl Clark, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Washington Trust, has been included in Forbes' distinguished "Top 500 CTOs to Watch in America" list. This accolade highlights the pivotal role Clark plays not only at Washington Trust but across the financial services industry as well.

A Leadership Highlight

This esteemed list acknowledges Chief Technology Officers who are making significant strides in driving innovation and facilitating digital transformation within their respective industries. Notably, Clark stands out as the sole representative from Rhode Island in this year's list, emphasizing Washington Trust's commitment to technological advancement and excellence in financial services.

The Forbes Technology Council, in collaboration with Senior Executive Media, curates this list which features leaders whose foresight and strategies are believed to shape the future of technology. They spotlight CTOs recognized for their visionary thinking, leadership abilities, and overall impact on their industries.

According to James Mignone, Washington Trust's Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Clark's inclusion in this elite list is a powerful validation of his innovative vision and technical expertise. Mignone states, “Daryl's inclusion is testament to not only his leadership but also to his profound commitment to advancing our technology infrastructure and enhancing Washington Trust's position within the financial sector.”

Transformational Impact Since 2021

Since being appointed as CTO in January 2021, Clark has spearheaded a sweeping digital transformation initiative at Washington Trust, a notable institution with a history that stretches back to its founding in 1800 and currently boasts assets exceeding $7 billion. His major initiatives include:

• - Cloud Migration: He implemented a multi-year strategy to eliminate all on-premise data centers, reflecting a robust cloud-first approach.
• - Mobile Device Management: By installing a modern Mobile Device Management (MDM) system, he enhanced the security posture of employee devices across the organization.
• - Cybersecurity Enhancements: Collaborating closely with the Chief Information Security Officer, Clark has fortified the bank’s cybersecurity measures, ensuring client information remains protected.
• - Regulatory Compliance: Under his leadership, the bank excelled in achieving five consecutive years of spotless IT audits by enhancing compliance protocols.

Recognized Thought Leader

Clark's expertise doesn't just benefit Washington Trust; he has also shared his insights with the broader tech community through influential publications. In CIO Review, he co-authored an article that detailed how virtualization and the integration of VMware reduced computing footprints by over 80% and expanded server capacities. Furthermore, publications like Toggle Magazine and Providence Business News have featured Clark's strategic utilization of technology that earned Washington Trust accolades as one of Rhode Island’s premier workplaces.

Moreover, Clark is deeply invested in cultivating future technology leaders. Through his volunteer work with Computer Science for Rhode Island (CS4RI), he dedicates time mentoring students to foster the upcoming generation of tech talent.

Educational Background

Clark earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Science, supplemented by a Minor in Business Administration from Northeastern University. This academic background underpins his strategic ability to bridge technology and business effectively.

About Washington Trust

Founded in 1800, Washington Trust holds the prestigious title of being the oldest community bank in the United States. With its headquarters in Rhode Island, it is one of the largest state-chartered banks in the region and a leader among Northeast's financial services institutions. Celebrating 225 years of operation in 2025, Washington Trust is committed to serving the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout New England. Offering a comprehensive suite of services including commercial and mortgage banking, personal banking, and wealth management, Washington Trust continues to pave the way for financial innovation while ensuring customer satisfaction through a robust digital platform. The bank is a proud member of the FDIC and operates under the ethos of equal housing lending. You can explore more about their offerings at www.washtrust.com or their corporate site at ir.washtrust.com.