Lynchburg, VA — Meriwether Godsey, a leading dining services partner to independent schools, colleges, and discerning organizations, is pleased to announce the appointment of Denise O’Brien as President.
O’Brien brings over 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, foodservice, and enterprise operations. She joins Meriwether Godsey with a strong record of driving sustainable growth, building high-performing teams, and implementing systems that scale with purpose.
A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, O’Brien launched her career at Aramark, where she advanced through a series of senior roles—ultimately serving as Senior Vice President, supporting sales, marketing, and enablement. During her tenure, she and her teams introduced predictive analytics tools and streamlined sales operations, contributing to more than $250 million in new revenue while sustaining a strong focus on client relationships, culinary excellence, and employee engagement.
Most recently, O’Brien served as Group Vice President of Growth Strategy and Operations at Bright Horizons, where she oversaw sales support, marketing, and consulting. There, she supported client retention and growth, strengthening morale across the organization by empowering teams and promoting inclusive leadership.
“We are thrilled to welcome Denise to Meriwether Godsey, continuing a 40-year legacy of women-leadership,” said Leslie Philips, Board Director, “through the hiring process the Board was impressed that Denise will not only lead with experience but also heart, humility, and a desire to elevate others.
Known for bringing structure to complexity and aligning execution with values, O’Brien is a mission-driven leader who thrives in collaborative cultures. She is passionate about nurturing resilient teams and inclusive environments where people and performance grow together.
“I’m excited to join a company that so clearly leads with its values,” said O’Brien. “I’m humbled to build upon the 40-year foundation, celebrated this year. It is an honor to uphold the sincere commitment to scratch cooking, delivered by a truly diverse leadership team who serve up experiences that make a difference every day. Our goal is to expand upon the authentic relationships MG has built with every client, and to share our passion with prospects who share these values.”
In her role as President, O’Brien will guide Meriwether Godsey through its next phase of growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
O’Brien resides in Bucks County, PA, with her husband Todd, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander, and enjoys spending time with their daughters, hiking, mentoring young professionals, and, naturally, sharing great food.
Her favorite Meriwether Godsey core value is “Learn, Grow, Improve”— a fitting motto for a leader who is committed to lifelong learning and lifting others along the way.
About Meriwether Godsey
Meriwether Godsey is a dining services company serving independent schools, colleges, and organizations that value hospitality, community, and excellence. For 40 years, MG has created remarkable food experiences rooted in scratch cooking, fresh sourcing, and meaningful connection.
Contact: Derek Carbonneau, Vice President of Information Technology & Marketing
Email: dcarbonneau@merig.com
Recent Comments