Jackie Reed began as a hostess at Leilani’s on the Beach in Kaanapali, but now she’s been promoted to chief executive officer of T S Restaurants, according to an announcement.
The restaurant chain owns Leilani’s, Kimo’s, Hula Grill Kaanapali and Duke’s Beach House.
Reed was vice president of California operations for the privately owned family company with 14 restaurants in California and Hawaii. She succeeds Bill Parsons, who retired as chief executive officer and chairman, ending a 38-year career with the company.
Reed has worked for T S Restaurants for more than 25 years. Her appointment was made late last year, the company said in March.
In her new role, she will develop, implement and lead the company’s high-level, long- and short-term strategies; be responsible for leading the executive team to set and accomplish operational and financial objectives; and act as the central point of communication between the board of directors and corporate operations.
After joining Leilani’s in 1989, Reed worked in two other T S Restaurants before moving to the California home office as controller in 1998. She has been involved in five restaurant openings and was an integral part of developing T S accounting systems, human resource policies and adopting restaurant technology.
While working her way up in the company, Reed earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration and graduated from the executive master’s of business administration program at San Diego State University.
She continues to work with the SDSU L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management as a guest lecturer and assessor, and she is a member of its advisory board.
Reed is involved with the Polynesian community, teaching dance and participating in cultural activities and education, as a way of staying in touch with her Samoan heritage.
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