lead

As our industry continues to evolve, one truth remains clear: the future strength of the restaurant community depends on our ability to develop and invest in emerging leaders. Too often, high-potential talent lacks access to the mentorship, resources, and professional development opportunities needed to build long, fulfilling careers in hospitality. 

That gap is exactly why LEAD — Leadership Exploration and Development for Emerging Restaurant Leaders — was created. Founded in 2019, LEAD was built with a mission to provide rising leaders in the restaurant industry with an accessible and affordable platform for networking, learning from industry experts, and accelerating personal and professional growth. Recognizing the financial barriers created by costly conferences and executive-only events, LEAD operates as a nonprofit dedicated to creating impact, not exclusivity. 

Today, many leaders are working extra shifts due to economic pressures — leaving less time for coaching, development, and succession planning. This reality limits the growth of emerging leaders at the very moment our industry needs them most. As I often say, the industry conferences many attend are not accessible to emerging leaders. LEAD opens that door — giving tomorrow's leaders direct access to the C-suite executives who are shaping what comes next. 

Our events go far beyond traditional leadership discussions. We focus on hands-on learning in the competencies that truly shape long-term success:

✴GRIT and resilience 

✴Financial literacy and business acumen

✴Leadership styles and personal effectiveness  

✴Career development and strategic thinking  

✴Connection, community, and mentorship

These experiences are designed to develop confident, capable leaders who understand both the business and the people they serve — leaders ready to drive results, inspire teams, and help sustain the future of our industry. The LEAD Council represents the very best of our community — a diverse group of operators, executives, coaches, educators, and innovators united in their commitment to developing emerging talent:

The LEAD Council:

Amber Day – Director Operations, Barcelona Wine Bar

Amy Hom – COO, Barcelona Wine Bar Carin Stutz – Board Member, Kura Sushi, Hawaiian Bros

Chelsey Steenhuis – Manager, Operations Excellence, Red Robin

Dan Kinsinger – Director, Operations Excellence, Barcelona Wine Bar

Julie Zucker - CMO & Partner, Branded Hospitality

Katy Stocks - Sr Director Off Premise and Digital Sales, Thrive Restaurant Group

Kelly Grogan – Founder, Crumbs

Kimberly Dockter Bolinger – Director Operations, Mellow Mushroom

Kim DeCarolis – VP Sales, Amniscient

Kristin Albert – SVP Operations, Craveworthy Brands

Laura Wilber – Director of Strategic Partnerships, Dinova

Lauren Mitchell – VP, Produce Alliance

Lauren Selman – VP Operations, IFBTA

Lori Cominsky – VP Operations & Training, Pancheros Mexican Grill

Lorrie Bennecke – Founder, Coach & Consultant

Lyndsey Patel – Owner, Own Your Mark Growth

Matt Rolfe – Hospitality Leadership Coach

Nancy Van Vlimmeren - Mac Haik Restaurant Group

Olivia Fazzola – VP Operations, Barcelona Wine Bar

Robin Robison – President, Thrive Restaurant Group

Savannah Leigh Schmidt – Marketing & Revenue Executive

Stacey Kane – President & Founder, Boardtalk Marketing; Board Member

As one of the nation's largest employers, the restaurant industry has always been built on opportunity. LEAD was created to honor that heritage — ensuring emerging leaders have a dedicated place to learn, grow, connect, and build the skills essential for long-term success.

If you wish to sponsor LEAD, please reach out to any member of the LEAD Council listed above. Sponsorship includes the opportunity to have your business featured in our event marketing, on-site content, and programming — offering meaningful visibility while supporting the development of emerging leaders.

We invite you to continue championing this mission by identifying and sending rising leaders from your teams who are ready to grow, stretch, and take the next step in their leadership journey. Your partnership helps us strengthen our collective workforce, cultivate future leaders, and create a more resilient and connected restaurant community. Thank you for your continued support and belief in the power of developing people. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leadership — one emerging leader at a time. To learn more about LEAD and their event schedule, can visit LEAD LinkedIn.

Past Events