Meet Paula
A third-generation Tulsan
Paula Marshall obtained her Associate’s Degree from Tulsa Community College and her Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate from Oklahoma City University. Paula has been CEO of Tulsa-based international food manufacturer, Bama Companies, Inc. since 1990.
Bama’s mission statement is; People Helping People Be Successful. This ethos includes the Bama team members, their families, and the community in which they live, work, and serve.
Her mission extends around the world:
Paula has helped build five schools in Ghana, educating over 1,000 children to set them up for a successful life.
Paula has also been recognized for numerous awards and distinctions.
Including being inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame, Advocate of the Year for DVIS, The Journal Record’s Woman of The Year, and being named one of the 25 Tulsans Who Shaped Our City by Tulsa People Magazine in 2011, and most recently, becoming a 2021 inductee into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
Bama Companies has been recognized for countless awards during Paula’s tenure
Including being the first manufacturer in Oklahoma to become a certified B Corp, recognized by the Tulsa Chamber, B Corp, McDonald’s, Yum Brands, and many others as a top inclusive workplace and receiving the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
Paula has done extensive work to make sure Bama is a positive work environment for all team members.
In 2016, Paula started the Bama Caring Center which provides team members and their families free access to certified counseling, legal support, and representation as well as financial counseling.
Additionally, the Bama Foundation includes several programs that help team members and their families in times of need and unexpected emergencies.