Our Team

At KBG Technologies we are committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive environment. We recognize and value unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. These values are core to our beliefs at KBG Technologies, as evidenced in our organization’s leadership.

Kathy Buckman Gibson

President and CEO
KBG Technologies

Kathy Buckman Gibson is President and CEO of KBG Technologies, LLC, a Memphis, Tennessee-based distributor of a full range of chemical products, services and technologies. 

KBG Technologies is the only woman-owned business providing a comprehensive array of specialty chemistries and smart technologies to pulp and paper, and one of only a few focused on the water treatment industry in the United States. KBG’s customer-centered approach helps facilities meet and exceed business objectives, and as a woman-owned business, supports client diversity goals. 

Prior to founding and leading KBG Technologies, Kathy served as COO, Chairman of the Board, and General Counsel for Buckman, a specialty chemical supplier founded by her grandfather, Stanley J. Buckman, in 1945. Kathy has served on the boards of the Technical Association of the Pulp & Paper Industry (TAPPI) and other key organizations in the pulp and paper industry. 

With a commitment to service, Kathy is active in charitable organizations and community initiatives with special emphasis on early childhood education. She led the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce Early Childhood Education Moon Mission and supports its Move Your Money to Memphis initiative. She has also served on the boards of notable organizations including Girls Inc., United Way of the Mid-South, and The National Civil Rights Museum. 

Kathy holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University, an MBA and JD from Emory University, and is a graduate of the General Management Program at Harvard Business School. 

Kathy and her husband, J.W. Gibson, have twin daughters. She enjoys boating, travel, reading and great food and wine. 

Krista B. Ivy

District Sales Manager
KBG Technologies

As District Sales Manager for KBG Technologies, Krista B. Ivy brings a wealth of expertise in chemistry with specialization in water treatment systems. With a customer-centered focus, deep understanding of safety standards and regulations, and a track record of building successful partnerships and leading growth initiatives, Krista adds outstanding technical, professional and personal skills to the team at KBG Technologies. 

Prior to joining KBG Technologies, Krista was a District Sales Representative for Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, where she received the prestigious Nalco Water Summit Achievement Award, Timberline Level, in 2019. Previously, she was a Technical Services Chemist and provided support for Product Technology Stewardship at Buckman International, troubleshooting and testing to identify solutions to client problems and providing regulatory and stewardship support for new and existing R&D products. 

Krista earned M.S. and undergraduate degrees in Chemistry from the University of Memphis, where she served as President of the Department of Chemistry Graduate Student Association and taught undergraduate chemistry for six years while in graduate school. At Buckman, she received the Global Buckman Volunteer Award in 2015 and received multiple GEM awards. Krista is an ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 12080 certified Legionella Water Safety and Management Specialist.

Krista and her husband, Chad E. Ivy, have two daughters. She enjoys horses, hunting, cooking, and travel. 

Justin Hartledge

Sales Specialist
KBG Technologies

Justin R. Hartledge brings a wealth of expertise across various industrial domains to KBG Technologies. His proven track record in consultative sales, data analysis, project management, process optimization, operations, and inventory management make him a valuable asset to the team. Justin’s ability to understand and translate client needs strengthens KBG Technologies’ commitment to providing custom solutions.

Before joining KBG Technologies, Justin served as Territory Sales Manager for Best-Wade Petroleum, a Mobil distributor specializing in industrial lubricants. His personalized approach to each operation allowed him to offer tailored suggestions, providing technical advantages and cost savings to clients. Justin’s experience consulting with light manufacturing clients and his knack for translating complex technical information into actionable solutions ensure that KBG Technologies consistently delivers exceptional value.

Justin studied Business Management and Biology at the University of Memphis. Beyond work, he enjoys his local CrossFit gym, hiking, and playing disc golf. Justin’s passion for outdoor activities reflects his determination and resilience—qualities that drive his problem-solving approach at work. An adventurer at heart, he explores new horizons with his wife, Shannon Hartledge, and their three sons.