When years of college teaching led to burnout, Dr. Ann Clark made a daring decision to leave the secure academic world and seek a new career in golf!

Trading in her university credentials for spikes and greens, she sold putters and advised golfers on hooks and slices. “I quickly realized what every ‘closet’ entrepreneur must know--that by working for myself, success was directly related to effort. The harder I worked, the more commissions I made. That didn‘t happen at University of Wisconsin or Vanderbilt”

But golf was not enough. From the desk in her La Jolla condo, she founded Ann Clark Associates and led the organization through its successful transformation from a regional concern to ACI, a worldwide Specialty Benefits Corporation.

ACI provides best-in-class

Employee Assistance,

Work/Life, Wellness,

Concierge and

Student Assistanceprograms.

Since its founding, Dr. Clark has led ACI Specialty Benefits to rank in the nation’s Top Ten EAP providers for its tenth year in 2010 (Business Insurance). With nationwide customers such as DeVry, Mercury Insurance, Applebee’s and Hitachi, ACI’s reputation for quality has grown. Noted for her community service as well as business leadership, Dr. Clark was named to San Diego’s “Women Who Mean Business”, received the “Bravo Award for Excellence” and “Most Admired CEO” from the NAWBO.

With a national network of providers and a rapidly growing international presence, ACI’s work/life database offers the most innovative array of services for life management. Whether it’s finding a day care center or a pet psychologist, ACI provides concierge services, personalized coaching, organizational management and expert human resource consultation to the nation’s top corporations.

“Today’s employee faces a terrific juggling act,” says this avid walker and yoga enthusiast “Employees may be sandwiched between their own families and caring for an aging loved one. Single folks ask for help getting over-night lodging for pets, finding a plumber or tickets to the theatre.

ACI’s unique suite of specialty benefits demonstrates significant return-on-investment, greater retention, and improved morale in one low cost and integrated service package.

“ACI has made thenation’s Top Ten list

for ten years,”says Dr. Clark. “ACI competes with industry giants by providing high-touch, hands-on service. And, by anticipating corporate needs.”

When Dr. Clark saw a need to offset skyrocketing health care costs, she launched CORE, a comprehensive wellness product. Now SOAR, a student assistance package leads the suite of products. Leverage Concierge, a stand-alone, completes the specialty corporate array.

Dr. Clark’s dedication to designing and delivering high quality EAP services has earned her the national spotlight and numerous awards. Dr. Clark is one of the most sought after speakers in the behavioral health industry. A prolific author, her books include the best-selling “How to Survive Your Boss” (Citadel) and ”Looking Good” (Hazelden).

She is a frequent media guest and is currently working on a new book addressing work/life issues. Leading ACI with its own health goals, Dr. Clark created the onsite CORE Wellness Center where ACI employees enjoy yoga and pilates during the workday. Innovative Office Yoga replaces coffee breaks as ACI “walks the walk.”

DECADESof INNOVATIONfrom Ann Clark Associatesto ACI Specialty Benefits