Joe Guith with McAlister's Deli and Kris Vaughn with GeorgiaForward

With over 20 years of experience in food service, consumer products and retail, Joe Guith was promoted to the role of President of McAlister’s Deli® in April 2018. Previously, Guith served as Chief Operating Officer and President of Cinnabon, Inc. for four years, driving significant results through strong performance management, application of process-driven improvements and building collaborative, high performing teams. Prior to joining FOCUS Brands, Guith worked in general management and strategy with Coca-Cola and Yum! Brands in domestic and international markets. This background has fostered a passion for growing iconic brands that deliver superior experiences and value for guests and franchisees. Guith is originally from Michigan and has a BBA and MBA from the University of Michigan. He currently lives in Atlanta with his wife and two children.

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Since August of 2015 Kris Vaughn has served as the Executive Director of GeorgiaForward, a statewide nonprofit working to strengthen communities, unite our State and create a talent pipeline within Georgia. Under her leadership GeorgiaForward has expanded its Young Gamechangers program, and resumed its annual Forums that convene statewide thought leaders to discuss the future of Georgia. Prior to joining GeorgiaForward, Kris served Senior Executive Assistant of Strategic Planning at the Macon Water Authority, an award-winning water and sewer utility in Macon, Georgia. For five and half years before that she was the Director of Place for NewTown Macon as a leading member of the development team transforming downtown Macon. Kris is an active volunteer with the Junior League of Macon and the Macon Rotary Club. Kris is a 2008 graduate of the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism. She is a 2010 graduate of Leadership Macon as well as the Georgia Academy of Regional Economic and Leadership Development, a 2015 graduate of the Middle Georgia Regional Leadership Champions, and a graduate of the 2017 Class of Leadership Georgia. Kris is married to Forsyth attorney Ben Vaughn and they live in Monroe County with their daughter Hattie and two dogs, Chunk and Gunner. They are active members of Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Macon.