Vice President of Learning and Development, Assent Hospitality Management
Dr. Felicia White is an accomplished leader in the hospitality industry with expertise in operations excellence, goal achievement, and change management. She currently serves as the Head of Learning and Leadership Development for Ascent Hospitality Management, the parent company of Perkins and Huddle House.
As a recognized subject matter expert in Frontline Leadership Development, Felicia frequently presents at industry events on building effective leadership development and mentorship programs. Her industry involvement includes:
- Current President (2024-2025 term) and board member of CHART (Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers)
- Advisory board member for Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) and
- Active member of the Women’s Foodservice Forum
Felicia has received numerous industry accolades:
- Listed in the 2025 Top Women in Food
- Women in Leadership honoree (2023)
- Named one of the most influential restaurant executives in The Power List: Reader Picks by Nation’s Restaurant News (2020) and
- Winner in the Innovator category at the 2020 Top Women in Restaurant Technology awards (Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference)
Felicia is the author of “Bowties and Cowboy Boots: Lessons in Life and Leadership,” which translates her personal experiences into leadership insights with a focus on authenticity.
Felicia holds a Doctorate in Education, Adult Learning and Workforce Development; master’s degree in business administration; bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration; and an associate’s degree in culinary arts. She is also a certified Hospitality Trainer with various other training certifications.
