I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey and leadership philosophy. Over the past 22 years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow within the hospitality industry, leading multi-unit operations, driving performance, and building strong teams across the New York market. I’m passionate about helping businesses grow and evolve, and I look forward to expanding my impact through board service. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey across the hospitality, culinary, entrepreneurial, and financial services industries. Over the past 24 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible teams, operate my own business, and continue growing as a leader focused on service, operations, and people. I look forward to continuing to contribute my experience and learning from others along the way. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey and the experiences that have shaped my leadership in hospitality, multi-unit operations, and brand growth. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with remarkable teams across international markets, emerging concepts, and established organizations—each chapter strengthening my belief in the power of people, disciplined execution, and innovation. Here is my biography.

The conversation around AI in restaurants has focused too narrowly on job replacement, missing a far more important opportunity: designing AI systems that elevate hospitality professionals. When built with intention, AI doesn’t replace the empathy, creativity, and intuition that define great service—it removes the operational friction that suppresses them. By offloading repetitive tasks like documentation, scheduling, and routine inquiries, AI frees teams to focus on what truly matters: creating memorable guest experiences, strengthening relationships, and exercising human judgment where it counts most. In hospitality, the future of AI isn’t substitution—it’s augmentation.

AI is quietly transforming restaurant operations, not by replacing the human touch but by strengthening it. When thoughtfully implemented, AI becomes an invisible ally—seamlessly integrating into existing workflows, turning raw data into actionable insights, and freeing teams to focus on what truly matters: hospitality. From automating compliance and optimizing inventory to enhancing training and forecasting demand, AI empowers restaurants to operate with greater speed, consistency, and confidence. The result isn’t a more robotic dining experience, but a more human one—where technology handles the complexity so teams can deliver the magic guests come for.

I am excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my journey in business, public service, and community leadership over the past 45 years. From building and managing a multi-location restaurant chain to serving on the Salem City School Board and supporting faith-based organizations, my focus has always been on developing leaders and helping teams succeed.

Delighted to reflect on over 30 years of leadership in the restaurant industry! As CEO of Restaurant Partners, Inc., I've been privileged to innovate and grow alongside incredible teams, shaping high-quality dining experiences and fostering community support. From founding The Olive Garden to launching multiple successful ventures, it's been a journey driven by passion and commitment to excellence. Looking forward to continuing to elevate the industry and mentor future leaders!