Columbus, Ohio – January 10, 2018 – The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption announced today that Mary Schell, chief public affairs officer for The Wendy’s Company, has been elected as chair of its board of trustees. Todd Penegor, president and chief executive officer of The Wendy’s Company, has been elected vice chair.
Schell, who has been a member of the board since 2001, has been with The Wendy’s Company for more than 22 years. A graduate of Miami University of Ohio, she also serves on the boards of directors of National Council of Chain Restaurants at National Retail Federation, National Restaurant Association, Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute and Miami University Dolibois European Center.
“Mary’s commitment to the Foundation’s mission and the children and youth that we serve is both sincere and passionate,” said Rita Soronen, president & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. “Her service to the board has been instrumental to the Foundation’s success thus far and we look forward to her leadership into 2018.”
“I am honored to serve in this new capacity,” Schell said. “The Foundation has dedicated itself to focused, strategic growth in the coming years in order to fully achieve its mission of dramatically increasing adoptions from North America’s foster care systems. It is a privilege to serve at this critical time.”
Penegor, who has been a member of the board since 2016, has been with The Wendy’s Company since 2013 and the president and chief executive officer since 2016. Previously, he held several key leadership positions at the Kellogg Company, including vice president of Kellogg Company and president of U.S. Snacks. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and also serves on the Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business financial advisory board.
“Todd’s deep organizational leadership experience and his commitment to financial stewardship are incredibly valuable to this board position,” Soronen said. “He also remains personally dedicated to the work that Dave Thomas started and actively contributes to carrying it forward.”
“It is a privilege to serve on this board,” Penegor said. “As the CEO of The Wendy’s Company, I can think of no better way to honor Dave Thomas’ legacy, than to serve in this role. All children deserve a loving home and a permanent family, and I’m honored to work with Rita and the entire board to achieve the critical and life-changing mission of the Foundation.”
The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, through its signature programs and strategic awareness efforts addresses the needs of children in foster care waiting to be adopted while driving adoptions for the longest waiting children.
