Since 2013, SHARON PRICE JOHN has served as president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), turning around and redefining the multi-million-dollar company and beloved brand while navigating the "retail apocalypse" -- and, more recently, a global pandemic -- to deliver the most profitable year in the company's history in 2021.

However, before becoming the CEO of a publicly traded company, Sharon was a self-professed tomgirl from Tennessee. With sights beyond her small-town roots, Sharon embarked on a fascinating life journey of challenges and opportunities, including graduating from the University of Tennessee, working in the ad industry in New York City, earning an MBA from Columbia University, managing iconic kids' brands at companies like Mattel and Hasbro and becoming known as a change - agent, and eventually accepting the role of president of the Stride Rite Children's Group, which led to Sharon taking the helm at Build - A - Bear.

Sharon also serves on the board of directors at Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK), and on the executive committee of the Toy Industry Association board, in addition to supporting a number of philanthropic organizations. She has been named one of the University of Tennessee's Top 100 Alumni of the last 100 years and recognized as a Distinguished Alumni by Columbia Women in Business. Sharon has three children and lives in St. Louis with her husband, Russ.