Frances Ellis-Lynch

Quality Assurance Officer - Wilson, North Carolina

Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Frances Ellis-Lynch is currently the Quality Assurance Manager at Bridgestone America’s Tire Operations (BATO) manufacturing plant in Wilson, North Carolina. From day one of employment with Bridgestone, it was her goal to excel to the position of QA manager at the Wilson plant. Based on her desire, drive, initiative and knowledge this goal was accomplished in August 2015.

Frances joined the Bridgestone team in 1988, as a quality lab technician. She advanced her career within the Wilson plant and has held a variety of leadership roles.

During her time as a Tire Engineer, Frances travelled to a Bridgestone, Japan Plant to learn Run-Flat and High Rim technology. She was a key player in bringing that technology to Bridgestone North American plants. She received a CEO award for Run Flat tire development as well as multiple President’s Awards for her performance. Based on her accomplishments and drive for continuous improvement, she was promoted to Tire Engineering Manager. Her passion for learning and knowledge allowed her to educate plant tire engineers throughout the organization on this technology.

Some accomplishments include:

Six Sigma Certified/black belt
VDA Product Safety Representative (BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen)
2005 Women Unlimited Team Graduate
2015 Women Unlimited Lead Graduate
2013 Advanced Front-line Leadership Graduate
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
2018 Member of Impact Initiative
Community College Professor Teaching Intro to Tire Manufacturing to potential new employees
Certified Lead Auditor
Mentor

She has a B.S. degree in Mathematics from Atlanta Christian College (Barton College). Frances is a board member for the Boys & Girls Club and United Way of Wilson County. She is actively involved in her Church (Restorative Christian Ministries) and volunteers in various community programs including Relay for Life, Special Olympics, Salvation Army Christmas Tree Angel Program, and the Soup Kitchen.

Frances and husband McDonald live in Rocky Mount, North Carolina and have four wonderful, college graduated children (Amy, Eboney, Charles and Spencer) and four amazing grandchildren (Autumn, Cannon Jr., Ivory, and Kerrington). She enjoys travelling to the beach and mountains, and spending time with family. She collects Bible verses on the whiteboard in her office to provide daily encouragement, inspiration and resolve.

Frances is a lifetime Tarheel, Steelers and LeBron James fan.