Richard Atherton-Cole
Tallahassee
Summary
Executive Director with a strong track record in business environments and expertise in implementing organizational change. Proven leadership and strategic planning skills drive performance-oriented solutions that align with operational goals. Adept at identifying challenges and delivering effective problem-solving strategies to enhance organizational efficiency.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Lead Executive Director
Chick-fil-A
Tallahassee
10.2025 - Current
- Oversaw financial planning for restaurant operations and projects.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational growth and development.
- Provided oversight of all departments to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Evaluated existing programs for improvement opportunities while identifying new program ideas.
- Organized regular meetings with the Executive Team to discuss progress on initiatives and solicit feedback.
- Recommended appropriate staffing techniques to meet demands and manage costs.
- Oversaw corrective action plans to remedy structural, organizational and departmental issues.
Executive Director
Chick-fil-A
Tallahassee
10.2024 - Current
- Lead and develop a team of five Directors, ensuring operational excellence and alignment with organizational values across all restaurant functions.
- Analyze and interpret monthly financial reports, including FCR, IPO, and Food Cost Report, to ensure responsible financial stewardship and data-driven decision-making.
- Facilitate organization-wide engagement through strategic conversations that promote growth, alignment, and development among 100+ team members.
- Collaborate directly with the Restaurant Operator to define, communicate, and execute business goals with clarity and consistency.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high-performance leadership throughout all levels of the organization.
- Successfully raised P12 Customer Satisfaction scores through feedback and market analysis.
- Successfully reduced P12 controllable costs such as labor and food cost through structured initiaves.
Director of Operations
Chick-fil-A
Tallahassee
08.2023 - 10.2024
- Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
- Monitored budget and utilized operational resources.
- Oversaw day-to-day production activities in accordance with business objectives.
- Oversaw the successful implementation of operational strategies and policies to drive organizational growth and productivity.
- Mentored and coached team members to foster a productive and engaging work environment.
- Defined, implemented, and revised operational policies and guidelines.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
Drive-Thru Director
Chick-fil-A
Tallahassee
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Developed weekly schedules for the drive-thru employees, balancing availability with business needs to ensure optimal staffing levels at all times.
- Reduced wait times by streamlining the drive-thru process with proper task delegation and communication.
- Managed cash handling procedures within the drive-thru operation, maintaining accuracy in transactions and daily reconciliations.
- Provided ongoing coaching to team members, fostering growth opportunities while addressing areas needing improvement.
- Established a positive work environment by celebrating team successes and recognizing individual achievements within the drive-thru staff.
- Collaborated with other store leaders to develop strategies for enhancing customer service at the drive-thru window.
FOH Supervisor
Chick-fil-A
Tallahassee
07.2021 - 07.2022
Team Leader
Chick-fil-A
Tallahassee
07.2020 - 07.2021
Team Member
Chick-fil-A
Tallahassee
02.2020 - 07.2020
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL12.2022
High School Diploma -
Pinellas Park High School
Pinellas Park, FL05.2018
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Financial analysis
- Team leadership
- Customer satisfaction
- Data-driven decision making
- Effective communication
- Performance management
- Profit and loss statements
- Leadership development
Languages
- English
- German
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
German
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
ServSafe Food Protection Manager
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Lead Executive Director
Chick-fil-A
10.2025 - Current
Executive Director
Chick-fil-A
10.2024 - Current
Director of Operations
Chick-fil-A
08.2023 - 10.2024
Drive-Thru Director
Chick-fil-A
07.2022 - 08.2023
FOH Supervisor
Chick-fil-A
07.2021 - 07.2022
Team Leader
Chick-fil-A
07.2020 - 07.2021
Team Member
Chick-fil-A
02.2020 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Science - Biological Science
Florida State University
High School Diploma -
Pinellas Park High School