Claxton Takes Leadership Role At San Rafael Nonprofit

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A Marin nonprofit that works to fight poverty has promoted a board member to a leadership role.

Canal Alliance last month named Gina Ayala Claxton as president of the group's Board of Trustees.

Claxton takes the helm amid organizational growth through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.

"I am honored to continue my service to Canal Alliance and to help break the generational cycle of poverty for Latino immigrants and their families," Claxton said in a statement.

"And I am proud to work alongside my fellow Trustees – community leaders who contribute a diversity of professional talents and are united in their commitment to make Marin a place where everyone can live, learn, work, and succeed."

During Claxton's four years on the Board, Canal Alliance pioneered new public health programs to address the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on the community.

The organization also expanded its advocacy and policy initiatives and grew its educational and workforce development programs to continue to support people on a long-term path to stability.

"Gina is a leader in the business and the nonprofit worlds here in Marin," CEO Omar Carrera said in a statement.

"She is committed to the Canal community, and she brings a depth of expertise to Canal Alliance that is perfectly aligned with the strategic goals of the organization."

Claxton is a mother of three whose family emigrated from El Salvador. She spent her teenage years in Marin and recognized the disparities between the Canal and other communities.

"I understand the power of education, mentorship, and sponsorship," she said. "Educational opportunities allowed me to pursue my dreams and should be available to everyone. That's the foundation of the work at Canal Alliance."

The Novato resident assumes the role of President of the 14-member Board of Trustees in February. She has served most recently as Vice President and sat on the Development, Executive, and Real Estate/Environment Committees.

In January, Claxton was named President for the Americas Region of Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. She came to Rockwell after a 20-year career with IBM that included leadership roles in sales and enterprise.

In January, Claxton was named President for the Americas Region of Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. She came to Rockwell after a 20-year career with IBM that included leadership roles in sales and enterprise.