When Hala Moddelmog made the leap in 2006 from Church’s Chicken, the quick-serve home meal replacement brand known best for its southern friend chicken and sides to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the global leader in the breast cancer movement, the question people asked was, ‘What does she bring to the table?’ Komen’s founder, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker -- who tapped Hala with the task of increasing Komen’s revenue, strengthening its global presence, re-engineering its grants program and re-invigorating its staff and Affiliate network -- thought Hala had just the right ingredients. Experience running a difficult and competitive business effectively … success in dealing with franchisees and partners at many different levels … financial savvy … marketing know-how … and a 360-degree view of the business landscape that’s matched only by her fast-forward energy level.

 

Hala went through a rigorous process to become president and CEO at Komen. When the job opening was first described to her, she had never considered going to a non-profit. But when she heard the compelling story behind Susan G. Komen for the Cure and studied the organization, she realized much of what she had learned in the quick-serve food business – raising revenue, investing it wisely, spotting opportunities, effecting needed change quickly, meeting diverse needs – could be placed in the service of saving people’s lives and ending breast cancer forever.

 

Her account of her high-stakes,high-reward re-careering move includes:

 

Hala, a breast cancer survivor, has led Komen in building new alliances with leading cancer organizations in order to reduce duplicated efforts and maximize resources. She continues to guide Komen’s global expansion to create sustainable breast cancer outreach and education programs in countries around the globe.

Prior to joining Komen, Hala served as founder and CEO of Catalytic Ventures, a firm that invests in the foodservice industry. She was the first woman in corporate America to lead an international brand in 1995 when she was named president of Church's Chicken, a division of Atlanta-based AFC Enterprises. She has served on the boards of Leadership Atlanta, the Atlanta Police Foundation, the B.B. King Museum Foundation and Women Looking Ahead magazine. 

Hala earned a bachelor's degree in English from Georgia Southern University and a master's degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of Georgia.

She is the recipient of many awards for her contributions to the quick serve restaurant industry. She has also earned recognition for her civic contributions. In 2003, Hala received the Women of Achievement Award from the YMCA of Greater Atlanta. In 2008, she received a ‘High Heels in High Places’ award from the Trumpet Foundation, Inc., in recognition of her business achievements.