Dan Cathy

Dan Cathy
Born	(1953-03-01) March 1, 1953 Jonesboro, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, Business executive
Years active	1975–present
Known for	Chairman of Chick-fil-A
Notable work	Chairman and former CEO of Chick-fil-A

Daniel Truett Cathy (born March 1, 1953) is an American entrepreneur and serves as the chairman of the fast-food enterprise Chick-fil-A, which was originally established and developed by his father, S. Truett Cathy. As of October 2024, his estimated net worth stands at $10.6 billion.

Early life

Dan Cathy was born in Jonesboro, Georgia in 1953 to Jeanette (McNeil) and S. Truett Cathy. He is the oldest among three siblings, including his brother Bubba Cathy and sister Trudy. At that time, his father had recently opened the Dwarf House restaurant. During the late 1960s, while attending local schools, Cathy began promoting the family’s enterprise through radio advertisements as the Chick-fil-A franchise was expanding under his father’s leadership.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Georgia Southern University in 1975 and soon after joined the family business on a full-time basis, at a point when Chick-fil-A had already been established as a franchise.

Career

Cathy initially held the position of director of operations before ascending to chairman and CEO in 2013. He regularly visits Chick-fil-A’s nearly 2,000 locations across the country. In late 2021, he relinquished his role as CEO but continues to serve as chairman of the board.

He has received honorary doctorates from University of West Georgia, Anderson College, Carver College, and Pepperdine University. The Cathy family also manages the WinShape Foundation, a charitable organization supporting various ministries affiliated with the Southern Baptist denomination.

A significant public moment occurred at Atlanta's Passion City Church where Cathy addressed themes of racism and repentance by symbolically shining the shoes of African American artist Lecrae Moore, underscoring the importance of possessing an "apologetic heart."

Views on same-sex marriage

In July 2012, Cathy publicly expressed opposition to same-sex marriage and voiced support for conservative Christian initiatives. Financial disclosures from 2011 indicated that Chick-fil-A’s operators, alongside the WinShape Foundation and the Cathy family, contributed millions toward efforts opposing same-sex marriage legislation and funding conversion therapy programs.

By March 2014, Cathy admitted in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that it was an error for the WinShape Foundation to back political or social causes prior to 2012, when these issues became nationally contentious. Nonetheless, he has continued to donate to organizations that align with his personal beliefs. He stated:

We review our donations annually; however, our focus remains on youth development and education, leadership training and family support, along with community service. Our intention has never been to promote political or social agendas. This approach has remained consistent for more than six decades. Chick-fil-A’s ethos is to treat everyone with honor, dignity, and respect while delivering exceptional food coupled with genuine hospitality.

In June 2021, The Daily Beast reported that the National Christian Charitable Foundation (NCF), a significant recipient of Cathy’s donations, financed campaigns opposing the Equality Act.

Personal life

Dan Cathy is married and has two children. He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Honors

In 2022, Dan Cathy received the distinction of Georgia Trustee, a recognition bestowed by the Georgia Historical Society and the Governor of Georgia. This award honors individuals whose accomplishments and dedication to community service reflect the values upheld by the original Trustees who managed the Georgia colony between 1732 and 1752.

External links

• Dan T. Cathy President and Chief Operating Officer at Chick-fil-A