CANTON Mass. Stephen Caldeira, co-founder, president and chief executive of the Elliot Leadership Institute, is stepping down from the nonprofit organization to become executive vice president of global communications and chief public affairs officer for Dunkin’ Brands Inc.
Succeeding him at the helm of the institute is Joleen Flory, who will leave her role as executive vice president of human resources and training for Famous Dave’s of America, the 150-unit barbecue chain based in Minneapolis, to take the job.
Caldeira assumes his posts at Canton, Mass.-based Dunkin’ on Oct. 29. A veteran of in the fields of communication, industry relations and association leadership, he will report directly to Jon Luther, chairman and chief executive of Dunkin’, the franchisor of more than 13,000 Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo’s quick-service restaurants.
At Dunkin’, Caldeira will oversee worldwide communications for all internal and external audiences, including employees, franchisees and media. He also will lead the company’s government industry and community relations efforts.
Prior to leading the institute, Caldeira had been vice president of industry relations for PepsiCo. Previous positions include president and chief operating officer of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and senior vice president of communications, marketing, and public heath and safety for the National Restaurant Association.
Caldeira also has worked at Burson-Marsteller, where he was a managing director of public affairs practice, and early in his career served as political director to former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato (R-NY).
Flory, who has 20 years of experience in restaurant training, human resources and operations, had previously been elected to the Elliot Institute’s board of directors.
The institute was founded in 2003 as a leadership development source for the foodservice industry by the Elliot Group, Johnson & Wales University, Nation’s Restaurant News and PepsiCo Foodservice. The organization offers online assessment, customized corporate workshops and other tools to help industry managers develop leadership skills.
Flory has held various positions in training, human resources and operations at Buffalo Wild Wings, Advantica Restaurant Group, Family Restaurants Inc. and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Inc.
Famous Dave’s is currently interviewing candidates to replace Flory, said David Goronkin, president and chief executive.