Marilyn Spunar sees finance as more than numbers, forecasts, and spreadsheets. To her, finance is a story, one that helps people understand where a company is going, why decisions matter, and how every employee contributes to the larger picture. “It’s my role to be the conduit to help the team see the strategy, to tie all of the pieces together, so they understand our business and how their role contributes to the bottom line.”

As Chief Financial Officer of TBC Corporation, Spunar helps lead a $4.5 billion company operating tire distribution systems across the United States and Mexico. She oversees 135 employees and two outsourced service providers at a time when the company is evolving, modernizing, and strengthening its operations. “When I first came in, we had recently divested from Tire Kingdom, but many of our front- and back-office processes were still built around a retail model. One of our biggest priorities was streamlining the business and creating a more efficient way of working. There were too many silos, and too many processes still relied on manual spreadsheets and manpower. A big part of the opportunity was showing the team a different way of doing things, automating where we could and simplifying where it made sense. We are bringing those pieces together now and seeing results.”

For Spunar, those operational changes are part of a larger shift inside the company. “My goal is to make finance a true business partner, not a department that simply reports what happened, but one that helps shape what comes next.”

That perspective also defines the way she leads. “I am direct and want to get to a consensus quickly. I empower people to find solutions and resolve issues on their own. I’ve had some great bosses, and I like to pick pieces from each of their styles that I like the best.”

Much of that leadership philosophy was shaped by mentors who modeled both clarity and compassion, including Nasseem Shaik, her former CFO at Carrier. “He taught me to question people without judgment, how to challenge without being abrasive, and how to lead people toward shared understanding. He retired 10 years ago, and we still talk. He’s taught me to have a better work-life balance.”

That same thoughtful decision-making that guides her work at TBC drew her to the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “TBC has always been involved with the community and is looking to expand its outreach. As the CFO, the E.C. was a natural fit to better understand the issues impacting the business climate.”

She believes the most critical issues are finding affordable housing, a growing population, and attracting young families that can afford to live in the Palm Beach area. “The more talent we can attract to the area, the better for us. It is very costly for entry-level workers to live here. I think if we can work to lower housing costs, it will help us keep young couples in our area, which is better for us.”

Her vision for the next decade is focused on smart growth, pairing the county’s economic momentum with intentional planning. “We need to attract new companies to the area while helping the area expand without feeling overcrowded.”

Spunar’s leadership journey began far from Palm Beach County. She grew up in Longview, Texas, attended SUNY Brockport, and earned two master’s degrees, including an MBA in finance. Her career began at a Carrier factory in Syracuse, New York, where she was responsible for the safety program. When Carrier relocated to Palm Beach County, she moved as well.

Her path, however, has not been without challenges. Like many high-achieving leaders, Spunar understands the weight of self-doubt. Looking back, the advice she would give her younger self is both honest and hard-earned: “Do not be so hard on yourself. Learn quickly from your mistakes and prove people right for taking a chance on you and seeing the promise you have. I’ve always been my worst critic.”

Away from the office, Spunar is grounded by a strong support system. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for 38 years. Together, they enjoy playing tennis, walking the nature trails near their home in Abacoa, and relaxing at home with their 12-year-old rat terrier, Wishbone, while watching episodes of The Pitt.

Their son, Nick, is married and lives in Detroit, while their daughter, Abigail, is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky studying finance and business. Spunar also stays involved with the American Heart Association, a cause that reflects her belief in making a meaningful difference beyond her professional role.

A self-described introvert who has learned to step into more extroverted moments, Spunar wants to be remembered for helping create a culture where employees feel informed, valued and invested in the company’s success. For her, transparency creates connection and connection creates care.

“When people understand how their business is performing, where it is headed, and how it can improve, they can see how their own work creates a positive impact.”