Chris Karbowiak After almost 20 years with Bridgestone Americas (BSA), Christine Karbowiak was named Chief Administrative Officer for the company in April 2010. She previously served as Vice President of Public Affairs, and most recently, as Executive Vice President of Community and Corporate Relations. In her role as Chief Administrative Officer, Karbowiak oversees all of Bridgestone Americas’ risk management departments, including community and corporate relations, environmental, corporate security, safety and hygiene, J-SOX and audit. She also serves as Chair of the company’s philanthropic arm, The Bridgestone Americas Trust Fund. Effective Jan. 1, 2009, Karbowiak was appointed to the Bridgestone Americas Board of Directors, the first woman to serve on a Bridgestone Group Board. Prior to becoming a Vice President in 1998, Karbowiak worked her way up through the legal ranks of BSA. She joined the company’s Retail Operations as Senior Counsel in June 1992 and advanced to the position of Assistant General Counsel one year later. Early in 1997, Karbowiak took on the role of General Counsel for the company’s corporate and international operations, a position she held for 21 months before assuming her role as Vice President of Public Affairs. In 2009, she was named Executive Vice President of Community & Corporate Relations. Karbowiak also serves on the board of BFS Brands, LLC. Before joining the BSA family, Karbowiak was an Associate at the law firm of Quinn, Jacobs & Barry and then accepted a position at G.D. Searle and Company (later, the NutraSweet Company). She holds both a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois. Karbowiak has been involved in a variety of community organizations and volunteer efforts. She currently serves on a number of boards and advisory committees, including: the Jennings Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University (advisory board); the Joe C. Davis Camp of the YMCA, Advisor; Tennessee State Museum; Japan America Society of Tennessee; Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association; Tennessee Business Roundtable; Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Committee member; Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl, Member of the Board, Executive Committee Member and Incoming Chair; and Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, past Chair. She has been recognized for her volunteer activities, including being named Volunteer of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the YMCA and the Nashville Sports Council, and a Nashville Business Journal Woman of Influence.