Commencement 2011
Dan T. Cathy, President and COO, Chick-fil-A Inc. – Keynote Speaker
As president of one of the nation's largest family-owned businesses, Chick-fil-A's Dan T. Cathy represents the next generation of leadership for the Atlanta-based quick-service chicken restaurant chain founded by his father, S. Truett Cathy. Eager to incorporate his own skills and talents into the nearly 1,500-unit chain, Cathy has taken an unconventional yet personally and professionally rewarding approach to Chick-fil-A leadership.
Cathy's nearly lifelong career at Chick-fil-A began at age nine when he sang songs for customers and did radio commercial for the chain's original "Dwarf House" restaurant in Hapeville, Ga. After receiving his bachelor's degree in business administration from Georgia Southern University, Cathy returned to Chick-fil-A where he served as director of operations, opening more than 50 new Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the country. As Chick-fil-A continued to grow, so did Cathy's responsibilities with the company. He has served as senior director of operations, vice president of operations and executive vice president prior to being named president and COO in 2001.
