Karen Clark Honored as 2025 Marine Corps Civilian Logistician of the Year

For Karen M. Clark, logistics isn’t just about the movement of supplies—it’s about keeping Marines ready for the fight. As the storage branch head at Marine Corps Logistics Command, she is working hard to streamline inventory management and shipping processes to get critical gear into the hands of warfighters faster and more efficiently. This year, her persistent drive, leadership, and innovation earned her the title of 2025 Marine Corps Civilian Logistician of the Year. 

A Dawson, Georgia, native, Clark’s career began with the U.S. Army in 1989 as a 94B Food Service Specialist, where she quickly learned the importance of logistics in sustaining military operations. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as part of her duties she managed food supply chains, coordinated deliveries, and ensured troops had essential provisions—gaining firsthand experience in inventory management, supply distribution, and operational efficiency. Her time as a 94B provided a strong foundation in logistics, shaping her ability to manage complex supply networks. After her honorable discharge in 1993, she returned home, taking on civilian roles before finding her way back to military logistics—this time, in service of the Marine Corps.  

Since taking the helm as storage branch head in February 2023, Clark has led her team through major logistical improvements, cutting inefficiencies and finding smarter ways to move essential gear. Managing the Marine Corps’ largest supply accounts that are valued at nearly $3 billion, she spearheaded efforts that cut shipping times from 29 days to just 12, ensuring that more than 1.08 million items reached their destinations in record time. 

“At the end of the day, it’s about the Marines,” Clark said. “If we can make it easier for them to get what they need—without delays or red tape—then we’ve done our job. That’s what drives me.” 

Her impact isn’t solely on speed. Audit compliance improved by 12% under her leadership, and a successful elimination of more than $418 million in obsolete stock, freeing up resources for mission-essential gear. Inventory validation times were also slashed by 39%, ensuring accuracy and accountability in supply management. 

Managing billions in military assets is not an easy task, but Clark embraces the challenge. 

“We’re constantly refining, improving, and looking for better ways to do things,” she said. “And we don’t do it alone—it takes a team.” 

Marine Corps Logistics Command congratulates Karen M. Clark on this well-earned honor and thanks her for her unwavering dedication to the Marine Corps mission.