Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Stephanie Tillman

Thomasville

Summary


Dynamic legal executive with extensive experience in corporate law, compliance, and governance. Proven track record of advancing through leadership roles at Flowers Foods, a Fortune 500 company, with expertise in legal risk management, governmental affairs, and corporate compliance. Strategic leader known for collaborating with cross-functional teams, building compliance frameworks, and driving corporate governance initiatives. Adept at balancing regulatory oversight with business goals, while also providing visionary leadership to external organizations such as TC Federal Bank and the American Bakers PAC.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
01.2020 - Current
  • Developed comprehensive compliance programs to minimize potential legal risks and ensure adherence to relevant regulations.
  • Participated in policy discussions to help shape legislative proposals affecting the company''s industry from a legal perspective.
  • Coordinated efforts among legal team members to ensure a consistent and collaborative approach to handling company-wide legal issues.
  • Assisted in M&A activities by conducting due diligence investigations, identifying potential liabilities, and aiding in deal negotiations.
  • Lead all legal, compliance, corporate governance, and governmental affairs for one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods in the U.S., with over $4 billion in revenue.
  • Partner with the executive leadership team to manage corporate governance frameworks, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance with federal and state laws.
  • Serve as a key liaison between the company and regulatory bodies, mitigating risks through proactive legal strategies.
  • Oversee the legal support of major subsidiaries, M&A transactions, and intellectual property matters.
  • Chair strategic corporate committees to ensure alignment of compliance and governance with organizational objectives.

V.P., Chief Compliance Officer & Deputy GC

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
03.2010 - 12.2019
  • Managed relationships with regulators, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure transparent operations.
  • Assisted with internal and external audits to confirm compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation and refinement of compliance program elements.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address compliance concerns, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.
  • Directed compliance programs across multiple subsidiaries, mitigating legal risks and ensuring adherence to evolving regulations.
  • Developed and implemented corporate compliance training programs, increasing company-wide awareness of legal standards.
  • Managed governmental affairs and collaborated with regulatory agencies on behalf of Flowers Foods.

Vice President & Associate General Counsel

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
02.2003 - 11.2010
  • Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
  • Provided legal support for mergers, acquisitions, and the integration of newly acquired brands.
  • Advised senior leadership on legal matters related to product liability, employment law, and intellectual property.
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
  • Negotiated high-value contracts that maximized profitability while mitigating risks for the organization.
  • Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on investments.

Corporate Attorney

Flowers Industries, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
01.1995 - 02.2003
  • Negotiated and drafted complex contracts for high-profile clients, ensuring their interests were protected.
  • Guided clients through restructuring processes that resulted in improved operational efficiencies.
  • Acted as liaison between company departments to facilitate seamless coordination during legal projects.
  • Assisted in the development of customized compliance programs, reducing potential liabilities for clients.
  • Managed day-to-day legal operations, providing counsel to business units on contracts, litigation, and labor issues.

Education

MBA - Business Administration

Thomas University
Thomasville, GA
05-2002

J.D. -

University of Georgia School of Law
Athens, GA
05-1995

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of Georgia
Athens, GA
06-1992

Skills

  • Strategic enterprise leadership
  • Strategic enterprise leadership
  • Risk assessment and mitigation
  • Corporate governance
  • Complex litigation management
  • Compliance program development and execution
  • Legal department management, budgeting and planning
  • Complex transactions

Accomplishments

  • As chairman of the baking industry political action committee, American Bakers Association PAC, increased PAC membership and annual PAC donations year over year for the period 2020 to present.
  • As chairman of the board of TC Federal Bank, a NASDAQ QTC listed company, guided the organization through its conversion from a mutual to a federally chartered financial institution, took the company public initially listing on NASDAQ (TCBC), increased asset size from approximately $300 million to $540 million, and positioned the bank for a merger with a $3 billion super-regional financial institution announced in July 2025.
  • Built the legal department of Flowers Foods, Inc. to operate as a fiscally-lean organization supporting the operations, sales, and corporate functions of the enterprise.
  • Developed the corporate compliance program of Flowers Foods, Inc. to ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, minimize risk and set the cultural imperative of operating the business with integrity.

Timeline

Chief Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
01.2020 - Current

V.P., Chief Compliance Officer & Deputy GC

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
03.2010 - 12.2019

Vice President & Associate General Counsel

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
02.2003 - 11.2010

Corporate Attorney

Flowers Industries, Inc. (NYSE: FLO)
01.1995 - 02.2003

MBA - Business Administration

Thomas University

J.D. -

University of Georgia School of Law

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of Georgia
Stephanie Tillman