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Catherine Jefferson

Catherine JeffersonCatherine began her career in the hotel industry serving in several leadership roles with InterContinental Hotels Group over 14 years. She designed award winning global internal branding engagement programs, oversaw diversity and inclusion strategy, supported the launch and opening of several hotel brands and was part of the leadership team recognized as The Best Training Organization by American Society of Training & Development in 2012.

In 2014 Catherine served as the Vice President, Strategic Human Resources Business Partners at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Catherine was responsible for directing the brand’s people strategy and initiatives. Catherine and her team worked closely with leaders in the restaurant support center and restaurants in the areas of talent management, leadership succession and total rewards. She enjoyed partnering with Operations and Marketing to transform the employee and guest experience.

Most recently, Catherine was appointed Chief People Officer at The Krystal Company. Catherine leads a dynamic team of HR professionals serving over 350 restaurants and 7000 employees; focusing on company culture and career development. This year the team earned The Association for Talent Development BEST Award for the People First culture, training strategies and impact to the business.

Catherine’s personal purpose is to help individuals and teams rock it! She fuels her purpose by serving on the School of Hospitality Industry Board at Georgia State University, the Advisory Board for VOX Teen Communications and mentors emerging leaders for LEAD Atlanta. Catherine serves on the Governing Body for the Atlanta CHRO Leadership Summit and the Board of Directors for SHRM Atlanta. She most recently was appointed to the Board of Directors for 410 Bridge. Catherine is an advocate of continuous development; earning her master degree in business administration in 2010 and is a proud member of Leadership Atlanta Class of 2014.

In 2016, Catherine was named one of the Most Powerful and Influential Women by the National Diversity Council.

Catherine loves adventures with her two teenage daughters. She enjoys Zumba, is a wine aficionado and aspires to explore every spa experience that exists in the world.