THAT GUIDE US
Since 1953
Our History
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Dawn Lafreeda
Dawn Lafreeda started her career as a Denny's waitress at age 16 and eventually bought her first Denny's restaurant at age 23. Today, Dawn is one of the largest single-owner franchisees with more than 80 Denny's locations that employ 3,000 people across the country.

Leadership Team

Kelli A. Valade
Chief Executive Officer & President


Kelli A. Valade
Kelli Valade is Chief Executive Officer and President of the Denny's Corporation and is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the company. She joined Denny's in June 2022 and has spent over 30 years in the restaurant industry as a purpose-driven leader with an uncompromising dedication to serving guests and her team members. Prior to joining Denny's, Kelli served as CEO of Red Lobster and CEO of Black Box Intelligence. She also spent several years at Brinker International where she held various management positions at Chili’s including Brand President, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Kelli is a current National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) and a Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF) board member.

Christopher D. Bode
Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer


Christopher D. Bode
Christopher Bode is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for directing all of the company and franchise operations and operations services. He joined Denny's in 2011, bringing strong planning, financial management, organizational leadership, project management, information technology, and human resources experience. Prior to joining Denny's, Bode was Chief Operating Officer of QSR Management, LLC (a franchisee of Dunkin' Donuts) and Vice President of Development & Construction of Dunkin' Brands, Inc. He was a United States Navy Communications Specialist from 1980 to 1984.

John W. Dillon
Executive Vice President, Chief Brand Officer


John W. Dillon
John Dillon is Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for directing all of the brand and marketing efforts for Denny's. His responsibilities include developing and executing marketing strategies and initiatives, brand positioning, e-commerce, communications, advertising campaigns, product development, and optimizing synergies among the franchisee community. He joined Denny's in 2007, bringing a wealth of experience in consumer branding and marketing strategy. Prior to joining Denny's, Dillon was in multiple marketing leadership positions with various organizations, including 10 years with YUM! Brands/Pizza Hut and Vice President of Marketing for the National Basketball Association's Houston Rockets. He has a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Analysis from Baylor University.

Stephen C. Dunn
Executive Vice President, Chief Global Development Officer


Stephen C. Dunn
Stephen Dunn is Executive Vice President and Chief Global Development Officer for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for all aspects of global business development, franchise recruiting and administration, real estate, design, and construction. He joined Denny's in 2004, bringing significant experience in franchising and restaurant development. Prior to joining Denny's, Dunn held executive-level positions with Church's Chicken, El Pollo Loco, Mr. Gatti's, and TCBY. He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas and was an Infantry Officer in the United States Army. He is a certified Franchise Executive with the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation.

Michael L. Furlow
Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer


Michael L. Furlow
Michael Furlow is Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for all information technology functions, including technical strategy and alignment with business objectives, technical support and service, data platforms, and program management office. He joined Denny's in April 2017, bringing significant experience in IT leadership specific to the restaurant industry. Prior to joining Denny's, Furlow held similar roles with other leading brands, most recently, CIO for Red Robin. He has bachelor's degree in Management Information Systems from Delta State University.

Gail Sharps Myers
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Chief People Officer and Secretary


Gail Sharps Myers
Gail Sharps Myers is Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Chief People Officer and Secretary for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for overseeing all legal functions including real estate, labor and employment law, compliance, and all employee-related initiatives for the company. Before joining Denny's in June 2020, Myers worked as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at American Tire Distributors. Prior to that role, she worked as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Snyder's-Lance, Inc., as well as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Counsel at US Foods, both leaders in the food industry. Myers has a track record of improving and reimagining legal strategy while promoting open communication and transparency with Boards. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from The Washington College of Law at The American University, her MBA from Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business, and her BA in Political Science at Howard University.

Robert P. Verostek
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer


Robert P. Verostek
Robert Verostek serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Denny's Corporation. Verostek is a visionary leader with responsibility for guiding the company's short- and long-term financial strategy and identifying paths for future growth. He joined Denny's in 1999 and has a proven track record of improving profitability, optimizing debt, and delivering shareholder value. Prior to Denny's, Verostek held various accounting roles for Insignia Financial Group and Aimco. He holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Clemson University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Jay C. Gilmore
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller


Jay C. Gilmore
Jay Gilmore is Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for the company's accounting, financial reporting and tax functions as well as procurement and risk management finance. He joined Denny's in February 1999. Prior to joining Denny's, Gilmore was a Senior Manager with KPMG LLP. He has a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Wofford College and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Brian Aga
Vice President, Franchise Operations

Jim Batchler-Smith
Vice President, Information Technology

Mark S. Burgess
Vice President, Real Estate and Business Development

David W. Coltrin
Vice President, Guest Experience and Marketing Technology

Tyrone P. Counts
Vice President, Franchise Operations

George S. Crumpton
Vice President, Procurement and Distribution

Laurie R. Curtis
Vice President, Marketing and Menu Innovation

Ethan R. Gallagher
Vice President, Field Finance and Growth Strategies

Erik P. Jensen
Vice President, Brand Engagement

April L. Kelly-Drummond
Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Sharon Lykins
Vice President, Product Development

Fasika Melaku-Peterson
Vice President, Chief Learning and Development Officer

Ross B. Nell
Vice President, Tax and Treasurer

Curtis L. Nichols, Jr.
Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis

Scott F. Smalley
Vice President, Human Resources

Thomas M. Starnes
Vice President, Brand Protection, Quality and Chief Food Safety Officer

Ramon Torres
Vice President, Operations Services
THE DENNY’S Board

Bernadette S. Aulestia
Former President, Global Distribution, Home Box Office, Inc.

Olu Beck
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Beck Group NJ

Gregg R. Dedrick
Former President, KFC

José M. Gutiérrez
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, AT&T Southwestern Bell

Brenda J. Lauderback
Board Chair; Retired; Former President of Wholesale and Retail Group of Nine West Group, Inc.

John C. Miller
Chief Executive Officer

Donald C. Robinson
Retired; President, Potcake Holdings, LLC

Laysha Ward
Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer, Target Corporation

F. Mark Wolfinger
President

Franchising
