Building Readiness

Lessons Learned in Times of Uncertainty and Disruption

Join us for a practical and inspiring session on how to build long-term organizational strength. Through the stories of President and CEO of Henny Penny, and Carrie Freeman Parsons, Chair of Freeman, we’ll explore how purpose-driven leadership helps companies survive and thrive through difficult times. 

Rob led Henny Penny through a decade of employee ownership, fostering a resilient, people-first culture. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also served as President of the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM)—the industry’s leading association—during one of its most challenging periods. From 2020 to 2021, Rob helped guide the sector through uncertainty, including the tough call to cancel The NAFEM Show 2021 for public health reasons. At Freeman, Carrie helped steer a pivot to virtual events, showing how values can guide reinvention in real time.

In the session, we’ll take from their experiences to explore three key elements that help organizations last: performance, succession, and stewardship. You’ll leave with practical insights on how to build cultures and systems that can adapt, support your people, and sustain long-term impact, no matter what challenges arise.

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Featuring

Carrie is the third generation of Freeman family leadership, continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence in the brand experience industry. As Chair of the Board at Freeman Company, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Freeman’s strategic vision,

ensuring the company remains at the forefront of creating meaningful, data-driven, and impactful live experiences.

Growing up in the business, she has held multiple leadership roles at Freeman, including General Manager, President of Freeman Exhibit Company, and Chief Marketing Officer. Under her leadership, Freeman has remained deeply committed to its

core values—innovation, integrity, empathy, and collaboration—while continuously evolving to meet the needs of a changing industry.

Beyond her role at Freeman, Carrie is a passionate advocate for corporate responsibility and community engagement. She serves on numerous boards and is actively involved with organizations that empower the next generation of leaders, including Texas Women’s Foundation and Girls Inc. She believes in using business as a force for good, driving positive change for employees, stakeholders, and the broader industry.

Carrie’s leadership philosophy is centered on people-first growth—both for the company and the communities it serves. By fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, she ensures that Freeman not only delivers world-class experiences today but also builds a better, more connected future for generations to come.

Rob Connelly is Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of employee-owned Henny Penny Corporation, based in Eaton, Ohio. As Executive Chairman, Mr. Connelly leads the company and Board with a deep commitment to advancing Henny Penny’s founding vision of being a thriving company that positively impacts people.

Mr. Connelly assumed the role of Executive Chairman in April 2024 and has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2020. Rob was named CEO in 2014 and President in 2007 after beginning his Henny Penny career as Vice President of Marketing in 2005. Before joining Henny Penny, he held several key leadership roles at VeriFone, a multinational technology corporation.

A servant leader, Mr. Connelly is steadfastly committed to positively impacting people and facilitating growth through well-being and ownership. During his ten-year tenure as CEO, the Company achieved record sales and profitable growth while making significant investments for the future. A 100% employee-owned foodservice equipment manufacturer that

provides solutions to top global chains in more than 100 countries worldwide, Henny Penny is built on timeless values.

The Company’s continued success is driven by a precise blend of people- focused culture, manufacturing expertise, and an operating philosophy that prioritizes a long view—with decisions, priorities, and engagement intentionally rooted in its founding origins.

In this webinar, you'll learn

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