Join us for this series of high-profile speakers

SPEAKER: Christine Specht, CEO of Cousins Subs

TOPIC: "Creating a Legacy of Better"

SCHEDULE:

  • 5:30pm – Networking Reception
  • 6pm – Presentation
  • 6:45pm – Q&A Session

ABOUT MS. SPECHT:

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 largescale 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 Serigraph, Inc. and is the President of Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation board. Specht has received the Cum Deo award from the Lutheran High School Association in 2017 in honor of her Christian service and accomplishments in business. In 2021, Specht received the CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers) Commitment to People Award and in 2022, was honored as one of Wisconsin’s Most Influential Business Leaders by BizTimes. (Source: LEADERSHIP – Cousins Subs Franchise).

ADDITIONAL EVENTS IN SERIES:

Wednesday, September 24

  • Speaker: David Casper - Retired Chairman & CEO of BMO Financial Corporation
  • Location: Pharmacy 008

Tuesday, October 7

  • Speaker: Steve Forbes - Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media
  • Joint Event with Free Enterprise Center
  • Location: CCES

Wednesday, October 15

  • Speaker: Jacob Sheets - Owner of Jacob Sheets Realty
  • Location: RP 127

Wednesday, October 29

  • Speaker: Mark Meisner, Vice President of Marketing, Kwik Trip
  • Location: RP 127

Tuesday, December 2

  • Speaker: Dr. Michael Munger - Professor of Political Science and Director of the PPE Certificate Program at Duke University
  • Joint Event with Free Enterprise Center
  • Location: RP 127