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Kelli Valade
Black Box Intelligence CEO & President - Former Brand President at Chili's Grill & Bar - Speaker
Professional Background
Kelli Valade is a recognized leader in the restaurant industry, currently serving as the President and CEO of Black Box Intelligence, an organization dedicated to providing insights and analytics from the food and beverage sector. Kelli's comprehensive career spans more than 23 years, anchored firmly in her foundational experiences with Brinker International and Chili's Grill & Bar, where she held numerous executive roles including President and Chief Operating Officer. Her extensive tenure at Brinker International saw her take on various responsibilities ranging from corporate human resources to executive compensation, showcasing her versatile skill set and deep understanding of both organizational and employee needs.
Kelli has an impressive record as a dynamic speaker at multiple leading industry forums. She has graced the stages of significant events such as the 2019 Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix, the MILE Conference in Sun Valley, and the Global Best Practices Conference in Dallas, to mention a few. Moreover, her participation in the Women's Food Service Forum Annual Leadership Conference demonstrates her commitment to fostering discussions around the advancement and leadership of women in the food service sector.
Education and Achievements
Kelli Valade's educational background is as robust as her professional career. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Human Resource Management from Syracuse University, complementing her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Binghamton University. This academic foundation has been crucial in shaping her expertise in team leadership, organizational growth, culture development, and employee empowerment.
Through her education and experience, Kelli has cultivated a profound understanding of how to improve restaurant HR relations and enhance employee engagement, making her a sought-after expert at industry events.
Community Involvement
Kelli is not only dedicated to her professional endeavors but is equally passionate about giving back to the industry she enjoys. She has served on various influential boards, including Black Box Intelligence, the Multicultural Food & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), and the National Restaurant Association, all exemplifying her commitment to improving the food and hospitality landscape. Currently, she also serves on the board of the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF), playing an essential role in empowering the next generation of women leaders in the restaurant industry. Her philanthropic spirit extends to community service, where she collaborates with her daughter Morgan on the Allen Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL), bringing forth a commitment to service and mentorship that resonates through both her professional and personal life.
