Meet Our Alumni
Our graduates leave equipped to lead teams, run operations, and pursue business ownership with confidence.
The Impact
Graduates of the Noblitt Hospitality Leadership Academy are builders, problem solvers, and people-focused leaders. Through hands-on experience, coaching, and real responsibility, they’ve developed the skills and mindset required to lead businesses. Not just manage tasks. On this page we are so honored to get to highlight and celebrate some of the incredible leaders we have partnered with over the years.
Meet Our Alumni
Natalie Cheney - Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Marketplace at Hilltop
Natalie serves as the Owner/Operator of Chick-fil-A Marketplace at Hilltop in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In her 12 years as an Operator, she has established an unprecedented track record, setting new sales and profit records every single year while leading her region in performance and customer satisfaction. Natalie’s journey began not with a search for a job, but with a quest for a career that would challenge her established professional success and push her toward meaningful growth.
She began her tenure in the heart of the business: the kitchen. Over her first three months, Natalie distinguished herself through a relentless work ethic, mastering every position and embracing challenges with a tenacity that set the tone for the entire team. Even in those early days, she demonstrated an "Ownership Mindset," often spending hours after her shifts reviewing operations and refining systems. Today, Natalie leads a thriving organization and remains one of the most dedicated leaders in the brand, proving that excellence and heart are the true drivers of long-term success.
Drew Foster - Leadership Development Program Graduate
Drew Foster is a 2023 graduate of the Murfreesboro Leadership Development Program and exemplifies the dedication, adaptability, and relentless commitment to growth that defines the Academy's mission. Drew relocated from Georgia to Murfreesboro in 2018 specifically to pursue the opportunity to grow through our intensive leadership framework. Throughout his tenure, he consistently demonstrated a versatile work ethic, stepping into a wide range of operational and strategic roles with focused initiative.
His journey was defined by resilience. When faced with the natural setbacks of high-level leadership, Drew utilized those challenges as catalysts to sharpen his skills and deepen his self-awareness. His determination not only fueled his personal development but strengthened the culture of every team he led. Today, Drew continues to build on the foundation developed during his time in the program as he pursues Chick-fil-A Owner/Operator selection.
Amanda Morris - Owner/Operator, Chick-fil-A Mt. Juliet
Amanda Morris stands as a premier example of the professional heights attainable through the Murfreesboro Leadership Development Program. As a graduate who transitioned from the Academy into the elite ranks of Chick-fil-A Owner/Operators, Amanda’s journey reflects a mastery of operational discipline and people-first leadership. During her time in the program, she was recognized for her ability to navigate complex business environments while maintaining a steadfast focus on team development and guest experience.
Her transition to the Mt. Juliet market represents the culmination of years of intentional preparation, rigorous accountability, and a commitment to the "Ownership" mindset. Amanda did more than just complete a program; she embodied the principle that leadership is a craft to be honed daily. Today, as she leads her own organization, Amanda continues to carry the values of the Academy forward—proving that the investment in leadership development creates a ripple effect of excellence that extends far beyond the restaurant walls.
Lori May- CFA Murfreesboro Leadership Development Director
Lori’s journey with Chick-fil-A Murfreesboro began in October 2018, when she relocated from Florida specifically to join the organization’s leadership development program. Starting at the foundational level as a Team Member in the kitchen, Lori demonstrated a rapid mastery of both operational execution and high-level strategy. This commitment to learning the business from the ground up allowed her to rise through every level of leadership, eventually earning the responsibility of overseeing operations for both restaurant locations.
In 2021, Lori transitioned into a pivotal role as the Director of the Leadership Development Program. Over the following five years, she refined the curriculum and mentorship structures, culminating in the 2026 launch of the Leadership Academy. Alongside Operator Beau Noblitt, Lori also co-leads Launch Point Leader, a venture dedicated to equipping the next generation of high-impact professionals. Her career is a definitive example of the Academy’s "Launch" philosophy—transforming a step of faith into a legacy of developing world-class leaders.
Alyssa Smart - CFA Murfreesboro HR Director
Alyssa serves as the Human Resources Director for Chick-fil-A Murfreesboro, bringing nearly a decade of dedicated service to the organization. Holding a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling, Alyssa originally joined the team in 2016 shortly after relocating to Tennessee. What was intended as a short-term role quickly evolved into a lifelong calling as she discovered the intersection of her counseling background and her passion for leadership development and culture building.
Significant to her professional trajectory was her time in the Academy’s Leadership Development Program. The program challenged her to evolve from a tactical manager into a strategic leader, a shift that now informs her holistic approach to Human Resources. Today, Alyssa focuses on coaching emerging leaders and stewarding a culture that balances high performance with deep people development. Her commitment to the mission of Chick-fil-A Murfreesboro is rooted in the belief that helping others identify their potential is the highest form of service.
Collette Wolfgram- CFA Murfreesboro VP of Catering & Member Services
Collette joined the Chick-fil-A Murfreesboro team following a successful nine-year career in aquatics and member services at the YMCA. Originally stepping into a catering role, her natural affinity for the brand and her instinct for leadership quickly opened doors for increased responsibility. Over nearly a decade with the organization, Collette has become a cornerstone of the culture, driven by the unique opportunity for personal and professional growth that the Academy provides.
Deeply aligned with the vision of the organization, Collette finds her greatest fulfillment in serving as a "positive stepping stone" for others. She is dedicated to helping leaders at every level identify their innate strengths and become the best versions of themselves. Today, she continues to play a vital role in the day-to-day strategic decision-making of the business, deepening her operational expertise while upholding a standard of community-focused leadership that defines the Murfreesboro legacy.
Where The Academy Leads
Our graduates don’t just advance- they build. From leadership roles to business ownership, they carry an ownership mindset into every opportunity.
Business Ownership & Entrepreneurship
Graduates develop the mindset and skill set required to run a business from the ground up. Through hands-on operational leadership, financial exposure, and ownership-level decision-making, they are prepared to pursue business ownership or lead entrepreneurial ventures with confidence, discipline, and integrity.
Senior Leadership & Advancement
Many graduates advance into senior leadership roles where they are trusted to oversee teams, manage complex operations, and drive results. Their ability to think strategically, lead under pressure, and execute with excellence positions them for continued growth and long-term leadership impact.
People & Culture Leadership
Our graduates are equipped to build healthy, high-performing teams. They understand how to coach, develop, and inspire others while creating cultures rooted in accountability, trust, and care. This people-first approach allows them to lead environments where individuals and organizations thrive.
Operational Excellence
Graduates gain deep exposure to the systems, rhythms, and standards required to operate a successful business. From day-to-day execution to long-term planning, they leave fluent in the operational disciplines that drive consistency, profitability, and exceptional guest experiences.
Long- Term Impact
The influence of our graduates extends far beyond their time in the program. They continue to impact organizations, communities, and future leaders through service, mentorship, and values-based leadership- carrying the lessons of the Academy into every opportunity they pursue.