Meet our CEO coaches – Harvey Brownlee
Guiding business leaders to greater success.
BACKGROUND
Harvey Brownlee is a seasoned senior executive with a wealth of experience leading major Fortune 100 restaurant firms through profitable transformations and operational improvements. Known for his people-centric leadership, Harvey specializes in start-up strategies and turnaround operations, bringing expertise in general management, marketing, product development, and real estate. His strategic approach consistently drives operational efficiencies, cost savings, and innovative solutions in complex environments.
Harvey served as a Strategic Operations Partner and Advisor for Davenport Capital Management, LLC, where he works to evaluate and facilitate potential franchise acquisitions. His prior consulting work focused on helping private equity groups and investment banks develop action plans across various industries, including restaurant, hospitality, and senior housing sectors.
Harvey has also held key leadership roles as Chief Operating Officer of Holiday Retirement, where he managed over 300 senior housing communities, achieving significant improvements in occupancy, revenue, and resident satisfaction. He was also the President and Chief Restaurant Operating Officer at Bob Evans Farms, where he led both Bob Evans and Mimi’s Café brands. Additionally, Harvey served as Chief Operating Officer for KFC Corporation, overseeing operations of over 5,600 company- owned and franchised restaurants with annual sales exceeding $5 billion.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Northwestern University. Harvey is active in several professional and civic organizations, serving on the boards of the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, the Columbus Urban League, and the Columbus College of Art and Design.
Helping Leaders Reach Their Full Potential
Janet Fogarty
Vistage Chair since 1993
The rewarding part about being a chair is working with the members and watching the growth over time that they can’t even see.
“The rewarding part about being a chair is working with the members and watching the growth over time that they can’t even see.”
Janet Fogarty
Vistage Chair since 1993
Linda Gabbard
Vistage Chair since 2005
I’m a huge believer in the power of a group. Vistage combines this with the opportunity to work with high-performing CEOs and entrepreneurs. Together we create growth and value for each member, their employees, their families and their entire community.
George Glover
Vistage Chair since 2016
As a CEO, I was blessed to have worked in five countries on three continents, and I thought that just the impact on people I’ve worked with and led was life-changing. But to be able impact those who I don’t directly work with—and their organizations—has been life-changing.
Allen Hauge
Vistage Chair since 1994
The life of a Chair for me has been extraordinarily rich. If you have any orientation toward learning, it’s the best learning experience you will have as an adult, hands down.
“Chairing demands I give others the full range of my experience”
Chair Guillermo Hysaw fought racism on the football field and persevered through Jim Crow. He became a pioneering auto exec and, ultimately, a leader of leaders.
Arturo Lopez
Vistage Chair since 2014
My approach to Chairing is firm, compassionate and resolute. I come from a military background and have worked hard to be an agile Chair. I help my members bring a warrior mindset to challenges so they’re prepared to face anything.
Liza LeClaire
Vistage Chair since 2017
It’s not just helping them be more successful, it’s not just helping them make more money, it’s helping them be a better person.
Dwight Frindt
Vistage Chair since 1994
What unleashes individual’s motivation? What gets team members focused, collaborating and acting effectively for a shared purpose? What keeps organizations productive and agile? These are the questions that drive my passion as a business leader and trusted advisor.
Mark Murphy
Vistage Chair since 2012
I work with CEOs individually and in a peer advisory board format to help them lead more strategically, effectively and substantially on both personal and professional levels. I am passionate about calling forth a leader’s clarity and courage to act boldly in advancing their business.
“I work with CEOs individually and in a peer advisory board format to help them lead more strategically, effectively and substantially on both personal and professional levels. I am passionate about calling forth a leader’s clarity and courage to act boldly in advancing their business.”
Mark Murphy
Vistage Chair since 2012
