Shawn A. Taylor

Shawn Taylor was appointed to the Board of Trustees on July 1, 2022. With a 30 year career as a successful CEO, industry leader, and entrepreneur, Taylor has delivered value in a variety of environments from corporate to fast growing venture backed startups to turnaround situations. He brings diverse business experience with particular expertise in the restaurant and food industry as an owner, developer, and operator of 30+ restaurants in the Taco Bell and subsequently Zaxby’s franchise systems.

With exceptional operational and leadership skills, along with strong financial acumen and a foundation in “Big 5” public accounting, Taylor has been a strategic advisor on franchise operations helping guide businesses to succeed and grow. He was elected to the National Board of Advisors representing the southwest region on Zaxby’s Franchise, LLC’s ZAC Advisory Council and on Taco Bell’s Franchise Management Advisory Council. As a key contributor who builds deep relationships, he has worked closely with Boards and senior management teams on developing solutions to financial, operational, customer service, and growth challenges. He holds leadership roles on a number of Advisory Boards including a U.S. banking franchise, the Finance and Audit Committee for Houston’s Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, the board of directors for the Memorial Hermann Foundation, and the board of directors for Noodles and Company (NDLS) and serves on the audit and nomination, and governance committees.

In 2011, along with a group of leading business leaders, he became a member of the ownership group that acquired the MLB Houston Astros. Subsequent to selling his interest in 2017, he became a special advisor to the Chairman.

A determined and proactive national ambassador for workforce diversity, Taylor is passionate about influencing organizations on the benefit of organizational diversity, and has successfully recruited, coached, and developed minorities to achieve long term success. His involvement in outside community activities and education has also enhanced Zaxby’s and Taco Bell’s brand value.