Stephen Crawford

Stephen Crawford is a seasoned professional with extensive leadership experience in manufacturing and R&D within the material industry, specializing in areas such as specialty polymers, films, coatings, personal care solutions, and textiles.

Currently, Stephen holds a prominent position where he spearheads Corporate Technology and Sustainability strategy, with a core focus on delivering sustainable material solutions to address global sustainability challenges. His responsibilities also entail driving organic growth through innovative product development in the material sector, aiming to enhance the quality of life worldwide.

His expertise includes leading operational strategies to positively impact climate change, circular economy initiatives, and societal welfare through product advancements and modernizing manufacturing processes. He is known for fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and quality within manufacturing operations.

Stephen's professional journey encompasses significant roles such as Executive Vice President Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President positions at Eastman Chemical Company, where he played a pivotal role in research and development, operational leadership, and innovation strategy. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Beyond his corporate roles, Stephen has been actively involved in various organizations including serving on boards such as External Research Advisory Board at the University of Tennessee, Eastman Credit Union, and Launch Tennessee. His diverse roles within Eastman Chemical Company ranged from Managerial positions in R&D processes to Operations Area Manager and VP roles focusing on specialty polymers, coatings, adhesives, and global application research.