FAIRHOPE, Ala. — David Clark is a familiar face around town. From his involvement in community projects to his leadership of one of the South’s crown jewels — the Grand Hotel — Clark has made quite a name for himself.

Now he can add another bullet point to his resume. Clark was recently named General Manager of the Year for Marriott International’s franchise hotels, a recognition he insists on sharing with others.

“I’m very honored and humbled. It’s a big organization,” Clark said. “It’s always great to be acknowledged, but the award is a reflection and tribute to our past and present associates (resort employees), guests, Lakewood members and owners. It’s their passion for the Grand that continues to raise the bar.

“I feel very fortunate and thankful to have the opportunity to serve them. This award is more their award. They make everything happen on a daily basis. I look at it as their award.”

Clark has served 20 years aboard what is now formally known as the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. He began his career there fresh out of college, and was initially director of golf. He later worked his way up to resident manager before settling in as general manager five years ago.

The Point Clear hotel opened in 1847, and currently features 405 guest rooms and 37,000 square feet of meeting space. The Grand is situated on 550 acres fronting Mobile Bay, and its location nearly proved to be its undoing.

Steve Solberg, the chief executive officer of PCH Hotels & Resorts, the Retirement Systems of Alabama wing that owns the Grand, said Clark deserves credit for helping bring back the hotel from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

“He took charge during a very trying time for everyone,” Solberg said. “David has a way about him — a kind, compassionate way, which is great for a big employee and customer base. No one is more deserving of this.”

Clark led the directive of Dr, David Bronner, head of RSA, to restore the hotel to a condition better than it was before the bay waters rushed through, as well as look out for the nearly 700 associates who were displaced until the facility reopened.

“When RSA came in in 1999, they changed the Grand forever with their vision and committment,” Clark said. They changed the dynamics of the property, while keeping the spirit of the Grand tradition. The owners have been on target with their strategies to make this a premiere destination.”

Solberg added, “He works very well with RSA. Dr. Bronner holds us all to very high standards, and David did a wonderful job.”

Clark does not stay holed up in his office all day, however, according to Solberg. He said, “He probably (strolls the hotel grounds) more than other people. He loves being out with the customers and staff. And he’s very involved in the community. He was chairman of the (Eastern Shore) Chamber of Commerce last year. He knows the importance and responsibility of giving back to the community.”

In addition to the signature award, Clark also accepted honors for the hotel’s food and beverage operations, as well as exceptional guest satisfaction scores. The resort, a stop on the state’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, is ranked No. 3 in overall satisfaction among Marriott franchised properties in North America, and the spa is ranked No. 1 among more than 300 properties.

“You can’t micromanage,” Clark said. “You rely on your human resources department. They’re charged with hiring great people and putting them in the right seats.”

The Grand Hotel hosts 300,000 to 400,000 guests each year. Clark said none ever know when he is on vacation because the staff maintains very high standards all year long. He added, “The groundkeepers, the stewards and the other associates are the heroes in our business.”

Solberg said group bookings account for around 55 percent of the hotel’s business, and he credits Clark for maintaining strength in that area. He said, “David always makes a point to meet with group planners.”

Clark came to the Grand Hotel in 1987, but later spent two years away from the property helping open another Marriott-flagged golf resort.

Of Clark’s latest accomplishment, Solberg said, “It’s about as big as it gets. It’s Marriott, which has very high standards. It’s very humbling for him.”

Presented in late June, the entire PCH Resort Collection did very well in the international Marriott and Renaissance Awards competition. The Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National won Marriott Franchise Hotel of the Year and also received honors for most improved market share and community service.

Steve Miller, general manager at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa won General Manager of the Year for Renaissance franchise hotels, plus awards for food and beverage excellence and sales leadership.

The Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa won Marriott awards for customer excellence and problem experienced excellence.

Collectively, the resorts along the RTJ Golf Trail won 11 major awards, Clark said.