Join us in person for our next Leadership Series, featuring Christine Specht, Cousins Subs Chief Executive Officer

"Creating a Legacy of Better: How a 50-year-old brand continues to make it better"

Concordia's Leadership Series is a signature, semi-annual event that exists to recognize and encourage ethical leadership principles and provide networking opportunities for business and community leaders to come together in a dynamic, Christian, higher education environment.

Presenting sponsor: PNC Bank

REGISTRATION:

RSVP by Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
Registration is now closed.

EVENT DETAILS:

Siebert Dining Hall
Concordia University Wisconsin, Mequon, WI

7:30-9:00 a.m. CT (Doors open at 7:00 a.m.)
Networking and breakfast, program at 8:00 a.m.

SPONSORSHIP:

Individual: $30

Corporate Sponsor: $300
  • One (1) table of eight for the event
  • Company name on hard-copy program and on table sign
  • Company name recognition on presentation screen during guest arrival

Supporting Sponsor: $2,000
  • Two (2) tables of eight for the event
  • Meet and greet for (2) sponsor attendees with the event speaker and CUW senior leadership
  • Recognition from the podium during announcements and introductions

QUESTIONS:

For questions, contact Michelle Buss at michelle.buss@cuw.edu or 262-243-4337

ABOUT THE SPEAKER:

Christine Specht grew up with Cousins Subs- the sub sandwich chain her dad, Bill Specht, founded with his cousin two years before she was born. In 2008, she became the President and Chief Operating Officer of Cousins Subs and in 2015 assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer following her father's retirement. In this role, she successfully brought new life to a legacy brand by leading a series of system changes, including a large-scale rebranding strategy, implementation of grills in all restaurants, and inclusion of the brand's Midwest heritage with signature local products throughout its menu. Under Specht's leadership, she strengthened the brand's unit-level economics, created a strong core of franchise partners, and positioned Cousins Subs for growth. in January 2019, Specht transitioned from her two-part role to narrow in on her responsibilities as CEO. In this leadership role, she remains the visionary for the brand, focusing on building a strong culture throughout Cousins Subs system while continuing to lead growth and strategy. Specht also leads the brand in helping to adapt to the ever-changing needs of guests through advancements in technology and innovation.

Specht earned a bachelor's degree in criminology and law studies from Marquette University. While she worked toward her master's degree in public administration from American University in Washington, D.C., she spent time in the human resources departments of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Academy of Public Administration in Washington. Specht serves as the Chair of Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor's Foundation Board, a director of The Management Association (MRA), a director of the First Federal Bank of Wisconsin (FFBW), a director on the FFBW Community Foundation, a director of the Serigraph, Inc. and is the President of Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation board. Specht received the Cum Deo award from the Lutheran High School Association in 2017 in honor of her Christian service and accomplishments in business. In 2018, Specht was honored as one of the Milwaukee Business Journal's Women of Influence and recognized in FastCasual magazine's "Women in the Lead" series.