Rena F. Clark brings over 30 years of experience in operational management and private equity, achieving growth and operational excellence across sectors like Manufacturing, Transportation, and Specialty Chemicals. For nearly 25 years, Rena has specialized in private equity, leading due diligence, structuring and negotiating transactions, and driving strategic initiatives. She has successfully developed and implemented post-acquisition 100-day plans that optimize business performance, increase value, and drive sustainable growth. Her leadership is distinguished by a strong ability to guide cross-functional teams, reduce costs, and maximize profitability.

In 2017, Rena co-founded Laurel Oak Capital Partners, LLC (LOCP), an independent sponsor targeting acquisitions in the lower middle market. Specifically, LOCP led the acquisition and transformation of an underperforming, capital-constrained, temperature-controlled transportation carve-out, building it into a profitable standalone entity with a fleet of over 1,000 tractors and refrigerated trailers. Prior to this, she was a Partner at GenNx360 Capital Partners, LLC, where she led/co-led the acquisition of investments totaling approximately $350 million, contributing to over $1 billion in combined company revenues.

Currently, as Principal of AlignPath Advisory, Rena draws upon her extensive experience as an Operating Executive and Deal Partner in Private Equity to deliver strategic oversight and executive-level support to industrial companies. Her leadership is tailored to the unique demands of private equity portfolio companies, focusing on driving value creation and operational excellence. Rena’s operational expertise includes serving as President & CEO of a specialty chemical manufacturing company, where she enhanced EBITDA margins and expanded market presence. She also successfully led the turnaround of an industrial commercial printing company, achieving significant sales growth and improved cash flow. Additionally, as Board Chair of a PE-backed energy equipment designer and manufacturer, she implemented a cost optimization initiative that streamlined the supplier network and insourced key components, resulting in substantial operational efficiencies and reduced cycle times.

Her early career at GE as a manufacturing engineer and at Bain & Company as a management consultant established her expertise in operational excellence and strategic transformation. Rena holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with honors from Lamar University. She serves on nonprofit and professional boards, including Proctor Academy, the Lamar University Foundation, Lasell University, and the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City. Additionally, Rena is a Career Coach at Harvard Business School and a mentor with MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service.