Kelli Valade to Bring Restaurant Acumen to Dale Carnegie's Board

NEW YORK, NY – March 31, 2026 – Dale Carnegie, a global stalwart in professional development for over a century, has appointed veteran executive Kelli Valade to its Board of Directors. The move signals a strategic effort to infuse the organization with leadership experience forged in the fast-paced, people-intensive restaurant industry. Valade will also serve as a member of the Board's Compensation & Governance Committee, a role that underscores the company’s focus on strategic growth and executive talent development.

Valade, who was recently named CEO and President of the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF), brings a formidable resume that includes CEO roles at Denny's and Red Lobster, and over two decades in leadership at Brinker International, the parent of Chili's Grill & Bar.

"We are delighted to welcome Kelli to the Dale Carnegie Board," said Suzanne Chesnutt, chair of the Compensation & Governance Committee. "Kelli brings an exceptional blend of operational leadership, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to developing people. Her experience leading complex organizations and building strong cultures will be a tremendous asset to the Dale Carnegie Board as we guide the company's continued growth and impact."

A Recipe for Real-World Leadership

Valade's career is a masterclass in operational excellence and human-centric leadership, honed in one of the most demanding consumer-facing sectors. Her more than 22 years at Brinker International saw her rise through the ranks, holding diverse roles including senior vice president of human resources and chief operating officer before becoming the first female president of the Chili's brand. This dual expertise in both people and process provides her with a holistic understanding of what makes large organizations tick.

Her more recent tenures as CEO of major brands like Red Lobster and Denny's further solidified her reputation as a transformative leader. At Red Lobster, she quickly developed a new strategic framework and restructured the leadership team to navigate a post-pandemic market. During her time at Denny's, she was noted for her purpose-driven leadership, championing a strong, inclusive culture and emphasizing that investing in employees was critical to national brand success. Her philosophy often centered on making employees feel seen and valued, a principle she will now bring to the boardroom of an organization dedicated to teaching those very skills.

This deep well of practical experience is particularly valuable for Dale Carnegie. As the corporate training industry evolves, there is increasing demand for programs that bridge the gap between theoretical leadership principles and the messy reality of day-to-day management. Valade's background in an industry where success is measured by on-the-ground execution and customer satisfaction provides a powerful, real-world perspective that can inform and enrich Dale Carnegie's curriculum for a new generation of leaders.

A Dual Mandate for Advancement

Valade’s appointment creates a powerful synergy between two influential organizations dedicated to professional growth. In February 2026, she took the helm of the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF), the premier leadership development organization for women in the food industry. WFF works with companies to build more inclusive leadership pipelines through development programs, networking, and research.

Her dual roles place her at a unique intersection of leadership development. At WFF, she is focused on the specific challenges and opportunities for advancing women in a major economic sector. At Dale Carnegie, she will help guide the strategic direction of an organization that provides universal leadership, communication, and personal development training across all industries and genders worldwide. This dual mandate allows her to champion the cause of inclusive leadership on multiple fronts.

Her work at WFF, which focuses on creating environments where women can thrive and reach their full potential, aligns seamlessly with Dale Carnegie's long-standing mission to empower individuals to become more confident and capable leaders. Her insights into building equitable talent pipelines will be invaluable as Dale Carnegie continues to adapt its offerings to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse global workforce and help client organizations achieve their own DEI goals.

Bolstering Governance for a New Era

Beyond her operational and cultural expertise, Valade's appointment is a strategic move to strengthen Dale Carnegie's corporate governance. Her position on the Compensation & Governance Committee places her in a critical oversight role, responsible for guiding executive talent strategy and ensuring accountability. In today's competitive landscape, robust governance is not just a matter of compliance but a key driver of sustainable growth and long-term value.

Her experience as a public company CEO and her service on various boards, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greenville, South Carolina, have prepared her for the complexities of board-level oversight. She understands the fiduciary duties and strategic foresight required to steer a global organization through economic shifts and industry disruption.

Joe Hart, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie & Associates, highlighted this strategic value. "I look forward to working with Kelli and the Board, continuing to support the organization's growth and the impact we make on professionals and organizations globally," he stated. "Kelli brings a valuable perspective to the Dale Carnegie Board as we continue to grow our international network and leadership development programs."

As Dale Carnegie navigates a future shaped by hybrid work models, artificial intelligence, and evolving employee expectations, having a seasoned executive like Valade contributing to its governance framework is crucial for maintaining its position as an industry leader.

Charting the Future of Professional Development

The leadership development industry is at a crossroads. The rise of AI is automating tasks but simultaneously increasing the value of uniquely human skills like empathy, communication, and critical thinking. Personalized, on-demand learning is replacing one-size-fits-all programs, and leaders are grappling with burnout and the challenge of managing distributed teams. Valade's multifaceted career has prepared her to help Dale Carnegie meet these challenges head-on.

Her time as CEO of the analytics firm Black Box Intelligence provided her with a deep understanding of data-driven decision-making, a skill essential for personalizing learning and measuring training impact. This, combined with her people-first philosophy, creates a balanced perspective that acknowledges the power of technology while remaining grounded in the importance of human connection.

Her appointment comes as Dale Carnegie, now operating in over 75 countries, continues to modernize its brand while staying true to its core principles. Valade's fresh perspective from a dynamic, consumer-driven industry can help spark innovation in how the organization develops and delivers its world-renowned training.

Valade herself expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity. "Dale Carnegie has set the standard for leadership development around the world," she said. "I look forward to working with the Board and executive team to support the organization's continued growth and its mission to develop confident, capable, impactful leaders." Her presence on the board promises to add a new dimension to that mission, ensuring it remains relevant and powerful for decades to come.