Zaxby’s Executive and Leadership Team

Zachary Mortensen, the Chief Executive Officer at Zaxby’s, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the restaurant chain. Mortensen oversees the expansion of the brand across North American markets, ensuring that the menu offerings of chicken wings, fingers, and salads remain competitive. By aligning the executive team with the core mission of quality and service, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of operational efficiency. Zachary Mortensen manages the relationships with key stakeholders and the board to secure sustainable growth. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain the position of the company as a leader in the fast-food sector. Through rigorous oversight of financial performance and brand integrity, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization meets its ambitious targets while delivering value to franchisees and customers alike.

Sterling Coleman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Zaxby’s, architects the strategic framework for the entire restaurant network. Coleman drives the operational execution of the business model, focusing on the delivery of signature chicken products to a broad customer base. Overseeing the integration of regional market initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the brand maintains its reputation for quality and consistency. Sterling Coleman collaborates with the leadership team to optimize supply chain logistics and restaurant performance. This role requires a deep understanding of the hospitality landscape to navigate competitive pressures effectively. By prioritizing innovation in menu development and service delivery, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the market position of the company. Coleman maintains a focus on long-term profitability and brand expansion, ensuring that the organization continues to thrive in the fast-paced restaurant industry.

Sean Coleman, the Chief Operating Officer at Zaxby’s, manages the daily operational functions across the entire restaurant network. Coleman oversees the implementation of standardized procedures that ensure the quality of chicken wings, fingers, and salads remains consistent in every location. By driving operational excellence, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes labor productivity and food safety protocols. Sean Coleman works closely with regional managers to monitor performance metrics and address challenges in the field. This leadership role involves refining the service model to improve speed and customer satisfaction. Through the execution of strategic operational plans, the Chief Operating Officer supports the growth and profitability of the company. Coleman ensures that the operational infrastructure is capable of supporting the expansion of the brand, maintaining high standards of service and product quality throughout the entire organization.

Chris Carnes, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, manages the procurement strategy and vendor relationships for the restaurant chain. Carnes oversees the sourcing of high-quality ingredients, including chicken and produce, to ensure that the supply chain meets the rigorous standards of the brand. By negotiating contracts and managing inventory levels, the President. General Buyer ensures that the company maintains cost-effective operations without compromising on quality. Chris Carnes collaborates with the operations team to forecast demand and secure the necessary supplies for all locations. This leadership role involves analyzing market fluctuations to mitigate risks and ensure the stability of the supply chain. Through the strategic management of procurement, the President. General Buyer supports the profitability and growth of the company. Carnes ensures that the sourcing strategy remains aligned with the long-term goals of the organization.

David Connor, the President & General Partner & Buyer at Zaxby’s, directs the partnership strategy and procurement operations for the brand. Connor oversees the development of key business relationships and the acquisition of essential resources required for restaurant operations. By architecting efficient procurement processes, the President & General Partner & Buyer ensures that the supply chain supports the growth of the company. David Connor collaborates with other leaders to align purchasing activities with the strategic objectives of the organization. This role involves managing complex partnerships and ensuring that all procurement efforts contribute to the overall financial health of the business. Through the oversight of vendor performance and resource allocation, the President & General Partner & Buyer maintains the quality standards of the brand. Connor ensures that the partnership and buying strategies remain robust and responsive to market needs.

Deborah Durden, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, manages the strategic sourcing and procurement of equipment and supplies for the restaurant network. Durden oversees the selection of vendors and the negotiation of terms to ensure that the company receives the best value for its operational needs. By driving efficiency in the procurement process, the President. General Buyer supports the ability of the brand to scale effectively. Deborah Durden collaborates with the operations and technology teams to identify the necessary tools and resources for restaurant success. This leadership role involves monitoring market trends to anticipate supply needs and prevent disruptions. Through the strategic management of the buying function, the President. General Buyer contributes to the financial stability and operational success of the company. Durden ensures that the procurement strategy remains aligned with the mission of the organization.

Michael Godfrey, the President. General Buyer at Zaxby’s, manages the procurement of specialized food items and operational supplies for the restaurant chain. Godfrey oversees the quality control of sourced materials to ensure that every meal served meets the expectations of the customer. By driving the procurement strategy, the President. General Buyer optimizes the cost structure of the business while maintaining high standards. Michael Godfrey collaborates with the culinary and operations teams to source innovative ingredients that support the menu development of the brand. This leadership role involves managing relationships with suppliers to ensure a reliable and consistent supply chain. Through the strategic oversight of the buying function, the President. General Buyer supports the growth and profitability of the company. Godfrey ensures that the procurement strategy remains aligned with the overall mission and quality commitment of the organization.

Mike Nettles, the Chief Technology Officer at Zaxby’s, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the restaurant chain. Nettles oversees the implementation of advanced systems that streamline order processing, inventory management, and customer engagement platforms. By architecting scalable digital solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that the brand remains at the forefront of the fast-food industry. Mike Nettles collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into the daily operations of restaurants, enhancing efficiency and the overall guest experience. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and data analytics to inform strategic decision-making. Through the deployment of modern software and hardware, the Chief Technology Officer supports the growth objectives of the company. Nettles ensures that the technological foundation remains robust, enabling the organization to adapt quickly to changing consumer demands and market conditions.

Michelle Morgan, the Chief People Officer at Zaxby’s, directs the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives for the organization. Morgan oversees the recruitment, training, and development of staff to ensure that the workforce aligns with the service standards of the brand. By architecting comprehensive employee engagement programs, the Chief People Officer fosters a positive workplace culture that supports the mission of the company. Michelle Morgan collaborates with leadership to implement performance management systems that drive individual and organizational success. This role involves managing labor relations and ensuring compliance with employment regulations across all operational regions. Through the development of talent pipelines, the Chief People Officer secures the future leadership of the organization. Morgan ensures that the human capital strategy remains a key driver of the overall business success, enabling the company to attract and retain top-tier talent.

Brenda Trickey, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary at Zaxby’s, directs the legal affairs and corporate governance of the organization. Trickey oversees the management of contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance to protect the interests of the brand. By architecting legal strategies that mitigate risk, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary ensures that the company operates within the bounds of the law while pursuing its growth objectives. Brenda Trickey collaborates with the board and executive team to provide guidance on corporate policy and governance matters. This role involves managing litigation and ensuring that all business practices adhere to industry standards. Through the oversight of legal operations, the Chief Legal Officer & Secretary supports the stability and reputation of the company. Trickey ensures that the legal framework remains strong, enabling the organization to navigate complex business challenges with confidence.