Tammy Finley is a member in Gentry Locke’s Commercial Litigation group, where she leverages more than 25 years of executive and legal leadership experience to advise clients on complex business and litigation matters. Her practice includes business and commercial litigation, general commercial matters, labor relations, employment law and non-compete issues, cybersecurity and privacy response, legal and regulatory compliance, crisis management and incident response, and enterprise risk management. She advises executives and boards on governance, fiduciary duties, director and officer liability, shareholder engagement and activism, and helps clients navigate high-stakes disputes while balancing legal, business, and reputational considerations.
Prior to joining the firm, Tammy served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Advance Auto Parts, Inc. (NYSE: AAP). She guided the company’s transformation from a regional retailer into a $10B+ publicly traded organization. During her tenure, she led critical functions including legal, compliance, risk management, human resources, and communications, while advising the company through more than 10 strategic acquisitions. She also served for over six years as an independent director for American National Bankshares Inc. (NASDAQ: AMNB), where she chaired both the Risk and Technology Committees.
Tammy is an active leader in civic and educational initiatives, serving on the boards of Hotel Roanoke LLC, the Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation, and the Taubman Museum of Art. Her combination of corporate, governance, and civic leadership experience allows her to provide clients with practical, business-focused solutions that are informed by real-world executive insight.
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Visited the Highest “Court” in the Land
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Magazines on my coffee table at all times
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Rang the New York Stock Exchange Opening Bell
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What’s a piece of advice you find yourself repeating?
Two things I say often: “The most important decision you make each day is to be in a good mood” and “The juice needs to be worth the squeeze.” They’re simple reminders to stay motivated and focus on what truly matters.
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You mentioned you visited the highest “Court” in the land. What does that mean?
I literally stood on the highest “Court” in the land—a private basketball court located on the top floor of the U.S. Supreme Court, used only by the Justices, law clerks, and staff.
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What's the story about your magazine collection?
I keep 10 or more magazines on my coffee table at all times. They range from Bon Appétit and Traveler to Garden & Gun, Vanity Fair, Fast Company, and The Virginia Lawyer. It’s my way of staying inspired, curious, and informed about the many things that are at the leading edge.
Education
- College of William & Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law, J.D.
- Virginia Tech, B.A.
Experience
Mergers & Acquisitions
Led HR Integrations and Internal Communications for 10+ acquisitions by Advance Auto Parts, including $2B GPI/Carquest acquisition. Led legal planning, negotiations, and closing of $1.5B Worldpac, Inc. subsidiary divestiture. Expanded IP brand portfolio through negotiation and closing of $200M acquisition of DieHard®, a leading automotive battery brand.
Business and Commercial Litigation
Accomplished legal executive with extensive experience handling complex business and commercial disputes. Provides strategic guidance on litigation matters, ensuring quality legal advice, cost-effective solutions, and favorable outcomes. Specializes in employment litigation and has significant experience handling class action matters.
General Commercial Matters
Advises executives and boards on contracts, compliance, and corporate governance issues. As General Counsel for Advance Auto Parts, led legal strategy supporting enterprise growth, acquisitions, and organizational change, while fostering high-performing legal and corporate teams. Established Global Capabilities Center in India to expand company capabilities and innovation.
Employment, Labor Relations and Non-Compete Issues
Guides organizations through workforce management, employment compliance, and leadership transitions. Provides counsel on general employment matters, non-compete agreements, labor relations, and HR policy development, combining legal experience with practical business insights. Experienced in organizational design, performance management, and succession planning, with significant experience conducting internal investigations, as well as advising on reductions in force, reorganizations, and related severance practices.
Cybersecurity and Privacy Response
Advises on enterprise preparedness and response for data privacy and cybersecurity incidents. Develops and implements risk mitigation strategies, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and best practices, while minimizing operational disruption. Experienced in managing complex cyber incidents and defending related class action litigation.
Crisis Management and Response
Experience navigating organizational crises, including high-stakes litigation, acquisitions, integrations, and stakeholder communications. Provides counsel on enterprise risk, corporate reputation management, and strategic decision-making during periods of rapid change. Was a key player in the COVID-19 pandemic response, including ensuring automotive aftermarket retailers were deemed essential service providers.
Affiliations
- Board Member, Hotel Roanoke LLC
- Board Member, Executive Committee and Secretary, Virginia Western Community College Educational Foundation
- Board Member, Endowment Committee, Taubman Museum of Art
- Co-Chair of Legal Institute, Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- Past Board Member and Chair, Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional Business Council
- Past Board Member, LewisGale Medical Center
Admissions
- Virginia State Bar
