LongHorn Steakhouse and Darden are proud to announce Leslie Godfrey, Director of Operations, has been named as a Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) 2023 Change Marker.

This week, leaders across the food industry came together during WFF’s Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas to honor this year’s Change Makers — a group of outstanding leaders recognized as rising stars within their organizations. Winners are selected for modeling inclusive leadership that supports gender equity within their company’s culture.

“Leslie is the definition of a Change Maker,” said Todd Burrowes, President of LongHorn Steakhouse. “She inspires her team members, elevates their successes and leads with passion. This award is a testament to Leslie’s unwavering dedication to LongHorn’s success through incredible leadership.”

Leslie began her career with LongHorn as a server in Woodstock, GA in 1999. She was promoted to the role of Director of Operations in 2021, where she currently leads a division of 10 restaurants in the surrounding Nashville, TN area. She progressed to this position after becoming a Managing Partner in 2011 and leading several successful restaurant locations, including Ellijay, GA and Canton, GA.

“It’s an honor to be named a Change Maker by WFF. I’ve always had the support of amazing leaders at LongHorn throughout my career and now, I want to be that leader for the next generation,” says Leslie.