rena clark

Pursuing acquisition opportunities in the lower middle market industrial sector.

Several positions in manufacturing operations including the Manufacturing Management Program (MMP) in Major Appliance, Factory Automation & Flight Simulation and Naval Controls.

Acquired, along with an investment partner, all of the assets of a specialty chemical manufacturing company located in Chattanooga, TN. QVS, formerly a division of a multi-national holding company, manufactured industrial cleaners and sanitizers used in food manufacturing and processing environments. Successfully transformed this carve-out into a 'standalone' operations with its own market identity and solid EBITDA and top line growth during the initial 18 months of ownership.

Led and responsible for all major administrative departments of the MBA Program (1600 students and 150 faculty); Admissions, Administration (including the Registrar s Office, Financial Aid, and Housing), Student Association & Clubs, Community Service, Computing Support, and staff of approx. 40 professionals and the program s operating budget. Developed the strategic operations plan for the 2-yr. MBA program with the faculty chair for the Program. Negotiated contracts for several administrative services including technology support and human resources. Served as the senior administrator for three of the major faculty decision-making committees.

Consultant to companies with focus on operational and strategic issues. Case work included; development of product line strategies for a durable goods manufacturing firm, a real estate investment valuation for a LBO firm and customer retention strategies for a financial services company.

Led the acquisition of all of the assets of Ward Hill Industries, Inc., a specialty commercial printing company. Developed the acquisition strategy and solicited equity investors and lenders. Developed and directed the business development plan for the company and increased sales 30% and improved operating cash flow 50% over plan during the first 9 months of ownership. Also, designed and implemented manufacturing process changes that resulted in more efficient job set-ups, better utilization of labor and improved production rates. Divested of the business to a larger competitor in the space and returned 2X invested capital in 14 months.

Led a lower middle market commercial printing entity that serviced business accounts nationally. Orchestrated the company's fiscal turnaround by reducing operating and overhead expenses and negotiated improved trade financing with the business' suppliers including large paper providers. Introduced critically needed accounting controls, hired a CFO and managed and negotiated a number of legal agreements related to outstanding claims against the company. Also, regained, over several months, the business' 2nd largest customer after having lost 75% of the volume due to delivery issues.

Demonstrated successful leadership in all activities associated with the investment in and acquisition of companies, including business analysis, due diligence, the negotiation of all transaction agreements and the management of all third party relationships including accounting, tax, environmental, market and legal. Led or co-led deals resulting in total investment capital of approx. $350MM. Served as a member of the Board of Directors on Fund I portfolio companies including having served as the Chair of the Board of a global provided of industrial capital equipment. Also a key member of the fundraising team that resulted in Fund II ($550M).

Led all the charitable giving and fundraising efforts for the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation (NEPCF), which through its annual awarding of grants, sponsorships and in-kind donations, was responsible for almost $3MM annually to well over 1,000 charitable organizations across the six state New England region. Led the creation efforts and implementation of new fundraising initiatives in a 12 month period that resulted in roughly $1MM to the NEPCF. Responsible for the establishment and the implementation of all community-based and charitable activities that involves partnering with major marketing and sponsorship partners. In addition to responsibilities associated with NEPCF, also managed activities related to the Chairman s family foundation. Activities include the negotiation of gift terms and the oversight for the multi-year commitments.