Kathy Bolhous

Kathy Bolhous is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Charter Next Generation (CNG), a leading provider of sustainable specialty films and material science solutions serving the food, consumer, healthcare, and industrial markets. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, CNG operates 15 state-of-the-art manufacturing plants throughout the United States. Under Kathy’s visionary leadership, the company has experienced remarkable growth, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. Since 2010, the company’s valuation has surged from $58 million to approximately $5 billion in 2023. A pioneer in sustainability, she has spearheaded initiatives such as the development of specialty films utilizing post-consumer recycled resins and substantial investments in combating plastic waste globally.

In 2021, Kathy championed an innovative all-employee ownership program, enabling all employees to share in the company’s success, a journey which will be featured in an upcoming documentary film by Ownership Works. With over four decades of expertise in manufacturing, including key roles at Appleton Paper, Cascade Engineering, and Magna-Donnelly, Kathy stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in the manufacturing industry. Recognized for her outstanding leadership and commitment to empowering women, Kathy was honored with the Outstanding Leader in Business award by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago in 2023. Additionally, she and CNG jointly received the Chicago Foundation for Women’s Outstanding Corporate Citizen Impact Award for their dedication to women’s economic development. Kathy was also bestowed with EY’s Entrepreneur of The Year® 2022 Midwest Award and featured as a finalist in the national competition. In 2021, she earned a coveted place on Forbes’ ’50 Over 50′ list, celebrating female founders, leaders, and CEOs. In 2021, she established The Bolhous Foundation with a mission to disrupt the cycle of poverty by creating opportunities for women and girls to break through barriers.