Denny's Community Chief April Kelly-Drummond Departs After 32 Years

April Kelly-Drummond, the executive who shaped Denny's community engagement and diversity strategy for more than three decades, has left the chain to launch her own consulting firm.

Kelly-Drummond joined Denny's in 1994 and over 32 years built the relationships that connected the brand to national nonprofits such as No Kid Hungry and Cookies for Kids' Cancer. She also oversaw the Mobile Relief Diner program, which delivers hot meals during natural disasters, and the Hungry for Education scholarship fund. Her role extended into supplier relationships and the company's DEI work, which she pushed deeper into hiring practices and franchisee partnerships.

"April gave Denny's far more than her time," CEO Chris Bode said in a statement. "She gave this company her judgment, conviction, relationships and an unwavering belief that we could always do better for our people and the communities we serve."

Kelly-Drummond is now president and CEO of AKD Enterprises, an independent consulting firm focused on leadership, community strategy and stakeholder engagement. Her first client is already signed, she said, and more conversations are in development. She is also releasing a book, "From Any Seat," in November that explores leadership and the relationships that shaped her career.