Dale Carnegie Welcomes Kelli Valade to Its Board of Directors

Dale Carnegie & Associates has officially appointed Kelli Valade to its Board of Directors, marking a significant step towards enriching its leadership team. Valade will also take on the role of a member on the Compensation Governance Committee, a position which entails guiding the organization's strategic direction and reinforcing its commitment to robust governance.

In a statement regarding the appointment, Suzanne Chesnutt, the Chair of the Compensation Governance Committee expressed eagerness at Kelli’s inclusion, emphasizing her exceptional operational leadership, strategic insight, and a profound dedication to talent development. Kelli’s extensive experience in managing complex organizations and nurturing strong workplace cultures is poised to bolster the Board as Dale Carnegie embarks on its trajectory of sustained growth and enhanced impact.

Valade boasts over twenty years of leadership experience in the restaurant sector, having helmed several revered brands. Just recently, in February 2026, she stepped into the role of CEO and President at the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF), a premier organization focused on fostering women’s leadership advancement in the foodservice industry. The WFF collaborates with various stakeholders within the foodservice sector to create inclusive leadership pathways, offering unparalleled professional development opportunities and insights aimed at accelerating women’s careers.

Previously, Valade held the position of CEO at several well-known dining establishments, including Denny's and Red Lobster, along with serving at Black Box Intelligence. Her extensive dedication to the industry is further highlighted by her impressive tenure at Brinker International, which operates famed eateries such as Chili's and Maggiano's. During her time there, she held multiple high-ranking positions, notably becoming the first female president at Chili's.

In addition to her responsibilities at Dale Carnegie, Kelli Valade contributes her expertise to the Board of Directors of the National Alliance on Mental Illness located in Greenville, SC. Her multifaceted background offers a unique perspective, which will be extremely valuable as the Dale Carnegie Board seeks to enhance its international network and leadership development platforms.

Joe Hart, President and CEO of Dale Carnegie Associates, shared his anticipation to work alongside Valade and the Board as they focus on nurturing the organization's potential while fostering a global impact on professionals and organizations alike. Valade highlighted the significance of Dale Carnegie’s legacy in leadership cultivation, stating, "Dale Carnegie has set the standard for leadership development across the globe. I am excited to work with the Board and executive team to further the organization’s mission of producing confident and effective leaders."

About Dale Carnegie

Dale Carnegie Training is globally recognized for its pioneering principles in personal development, leadership, and communication. The organization's influential strategies empower both individuals and enterprises and have solidified its stance as an industry leader in professional training. Operating in over 200 offices across more than 75 countries, Dale Carnegie provides training programs in 35 different languages, reflecting its commitment to making a lasting educational impact worldwide. For further information, please visit Dale Carnegie Training.