Board Member, Division President, and C-Suite executive officer with 30+ years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry and a record of success leading a business unit and accelerating growth. Expertise in various business models and capital allocation strategies, real estate development strategy and implementation, turnarounds, and enhancing operational execution/brand positioning.Select AccomplishmentsAs Chief Development Officer for Darden Restaurants (2014 – 2016), optimized real estate value; completed spin-off of 424 properties into a separate, publicly traded REIT (NYSE: FCPT) and sold 64 properties individually as sale leasebacks which enabled retirement of ~$1Bn of debt. As SVP, Specialty Restaurant Group Strategic Platform & Development (2012 – 2014), drove total sales growth of 58% in 2013 (including the Yard House acquisition) and 25% in 2014 by opening 24 and 27 new restaurants respectively across the SRG brands. As President of Darden’s Bahama Breeze business unit (2003-2012), was charged with the brand’s turnaround at a time when sales were declining and operating losses were widening. Quickly achieved profitability (contributing 25% of Darden’s operating profit growth in year two) and improved restaurant-level returns by 500+ basis points by clarifying the brand positioning and enhancing operational execution, enabling accelerated growth of the business.As Darden’s most senior gay leader, she also co-led the formation of the Pride Alliance (LGBTQ+ employee resource group) and served as its Executive Advisor (2010-2013).Responsible for the opening of over 600 restaurants (QSR through fine dining) and 27 limited service hotels. Specialties: turnaround, P&L, transformational leadership, division president, brand positioning, real estate, development, strategy, brand positioning, REIT, sale lease backs