Paula Marshall-Chapman grew up in Tulsa and spent her teenage years working at the Bama Companies in various occupations. She received her bachelor of science in business from Oklahoma City University in 1982 and her PhD in commercial science, also from OCU, in 1993. Under her leadership, Bama has expanded to provide a wide variety of frozen desserts and baked goods to fast food chains and casual and family dining restaurants.

Bama supports a wide array of community service activities and organizations financially and with volunteer activities. Bama & Beijing Bama also have adopted schools that they support. Her companies thrive on her philosophy of commitment to employees and providing other people with opportunities and challenges for life improvement.