A Leader at the Intersection of Business, Law, and Community
Amberly Martin is a seasoned executive, corporate strategist, and advocate for transparency and innovation with a career spanning corporate law, taxation, governance, and civic engagement. With a background as Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Privacy Officer for a $1.6 billion multi-channel retail and consumer products company, she has navigated complex global transactions, led corporate restructuring, and implemented risk management strategies across industries.
Beyond the boardroom, she has also dedicated herself to community service, civic education, and empowering artists, entrepreneurs, and local governments.
From Small-Town Roots to Corporate Leadership
Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and raised in Thayer, Missouri, Amberly’s small-town upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic, a commitment to fairness, and a deep respect for community.
After graduating with honors from Stephens College, an all-female liberal arts institution in Columbia, Missouri, she pursued law school at the University of Missouri. Midway through her legal studies, she moved to Indianapolis and transitioned into corporate taxation while earning her Master’s in Accounting from the University of Indianapolis.
She later returned to law school and was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 2003, the Missouri Bar in 2010.
A Corporate Powerhouse: Driving Growth, Efficiency & Innovation
Amberly’s corporate career took off in corporate tax and financial consulting, where she worked with Arvin Meritor, Conseco, and public accounting firms.
Her ability to bridge finance, risk, and law made her a sought-after leader, and in 2001, she was recruited by Brylane (Redcats USA), a subsidiary of the French multinational PPR (now Kering).
PPR, then a conglomerate spanning luxury fashion, pharmaceuticals, retail, and eCommerce, later evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brand groups, acquiring Gucci, Stella McCartney, and Puma.
At Redcats USA, Amberly quickly became indispensable. Initially brought in as the second in command in the tax, insurance, and legal department, she rapidly expanded her role, ultimately creating and leading the company’s first-ever in-house legal, risk, and privacy department.
Her tenure at the company was marked by:
Leading multimillion-dollar mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including the sale of Lane Bryant, Lerner, Chadwick’s of Boston, and Jessica London, as well as the acquisition of Avenue retail stores (500 locations), The Sportsman’s Guide, The Golf Warehouse, and The Baseball Warehouse.
Navigating the complexities of international business operations, including structuring a global cost-sharing agreement for eCommerce development and hosting across all Kering brands.
Developing and overseeing the company’s privacy and data protection programs, making her one of the early pioneers in corporate data security.
Mediating internal conflicts between traditional catalog retail operations and fast-moving eCommerce teams, winning accolades for her ability to integrate rather than silo corporate divisions.
Managing high-level corporate litigation, risk strategy, and compliance audits, earning praise from Latham & Watkins’ Washington, D.C. office for her extraordinary efficiency and organization.
As a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior executives, Amberly was at the forefront of strategic decision-making, risk mitigation, and corporate governance.
Whether negotiating contracts with Fortune 500 companies, leading reverse flow risk management strategies for luxury brands, or restructuring the company following PPR’s sale of Redcats USA, she consistently delivered results that balanced business goals with legal and financial integrity.
A Passion for Service: Bridging Law, Business & Community
While Amberly thrived in corporate leadership, she never lost sight of her passion for public service and civic engagement. In Indianapolis, recognizing the need for accessible legal services for artists, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs, she founded the Creative Arts Legal League (CALL)—a pro bono and sliding-scale legal program providing professional services for the creative community.
Inspired by a lifelong friendship with an artist and former roommate, Amberly immersed herself in lowbrow art shows, live music, and creative spaces, using her expertise to support and empower independent creators.
Her volunteerism extended far beyond the arts, including:
Serving at Wheeler Mission’s soup kitchen, where homeless men gifted her a Life with a Purpose program hat as a token of appreciation.
Providing free tax assistance through the VITA program to low-income individuals and families.
Serving on the board of the 16th Street Hospital, advocating for better community healthcare.
From Corporate Strategy to Civic Leadership
After years in corporate law, Amberly transitioned into community-focused governance, serving as Recorder-Treasurer for the City of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. In this role, she applied her financial acumen, governance experience, and legal expertise to municipal administration, working to increase transparency, improve city processes, and develop civic education programs.
Her work in municipal leadership included:
Developing a civics course titled "It All Begins in the Finance Committee," allowing adults and homeschool students to follow real-world city budgeting and governance processes.
Developing and proposing tracking systems for city fleet vehicles, maintenance, and expenses to enhance efficiency.
Advocating for fair financial policies, city planning improvements, and community engagement initiatives.
Spearheading digital transparency projects, ensuring public documents were more accessible online.
Despite challenges in the political landscape, Amberly remained committed to integrity, accountability, and good governance.
A Visionary for the Future:
Business, Advocacy & Public Impact
Amberly’s career has been defined by bridging gaps—whether between corporate and creative worlds, finance and law, or government and community.
She continues to champion innovation, ethical leadership, and civic education, using her expertise in business strategy, governance, and legal policy to drive meaningful change.
Currently, she is focused on:
Expanding her work in legal consulting and business advisory services.
Growing her impact in civic education and governance training.
Developing content, including a podcast ("That’s the Way It AR") and an educational resource hub for municipal governance.
A Reputation for Excellence
With 70+ LinkedIn recommendations, Amberly is widely recognized as a strategic thinker, legal expert, and problem solver.
Colleagues, executives, and clients consistently praise her for:
Her sharp legal mind and business acumen.
Her ability to simplify complex issues and drive results.
Her unwavering dedication, efficiency, and leadership.
Her passion for empowering others—whether in business, the arts, or public service.
Conclusion:
The Relentless Pursuit of Impact
From corporate boardrooms to community board meetings, from eCommerce mergers to city budgets, from legal strategy to public service, Amberly Martin has never shied away from complexity.
She is a builder, a problem-solver, a leader, and an advocate for transparency and progress.
Wherever she goes, she brings clarity, strategy, and an unshakable commitment to making things better.