Dan Cathy
2015 Recipient
Chick-Fil-A CEO
As CEO of one of the nation’s largest family owned businesses, Chick-fil-A’s Dan Cathy represents the next generation of leadership for the Atlanta-based fast-food chicken restaurant chain founded by his father, S. Truett Cathy. Dan has served as the president and chief operating officer of the nearly 1,900 unit chain since 2001, committed to upholding Chick-fil-A’s efforts to provide genuine, heartfelt hospitality, and ensuring that customers chain wide have an exceptional dining experience. Dan has defined a special role for himself – humbly saying, “I work in customer service.”
Dan keeps in tune with customers and employees participating in grand opening ceremonies for new Chick-fil-A restaurants. His actions stem from a belief that working in the field provides a clearer understanding of Chick-fil-A customers, and also to personally convey his servant spirit to the chain’s 70,000-plus employees.
Dan gives generously of his time and efforts in the community including Board of Trustees for Berry College, Morehouse College, Board of Directors of the Metro Atlanta Chamber and many more leadership, community, religious and education organizations.
In his “spare” time Dan holds a pilot license, is a passionate trumpet player, gardener and an avid motorcyclist. A native of Jonesboro, Ga., Dan has been married to the former Rhonda Palmer (whom he met while in the 1st grade at age 6) for more than 40 years. He has two sons, Andrew, VP of People at Chick-fil-A and Ross, Owner/Operator of the Midland, Ga., Chick-fil-A restaurant, as well as two grandchildren.
