Crawford joined Eastman in 1987 as a chemical engineer. Throughout his distinguished career, Crawford has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility in both manufacturing operations and technology, including chief technology and sustainability officer, vice president of research and development for the Advanced Materials segment, and vice president of research and development for Additives & Functional Products business.
Crawford has also served as executive vice president, chief manufacturing and engineering officer and oversaw the successful startup and commercial ramp up of Eastman’s molecular recycling facility in Kingsport, Tenn. He assumed his current position in November 2025.
Crawford is a member of the American Chemical Society and the Industrial Research Institute. A native of Kingsport, Tennessee, he holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Tennessee.