A powerful restaurant industry campaign to fight childhood hunger in the U.S. gained a new leader with the appointment of Diana Hovey, former chief marketing officer of Corner Bakery Cafe, to the position of managing director of Dine Out for No Kid Hungry at Share Our Strength.

Hovey brings 30 years of strategic marketing leadership and expertise in the restaurant industry and an understanding of causes that drive consumers to connect with brands.

“Diana was an early adopter of Dine Out for No Kid Hungry,” says Debbie Shore, Share Our Strength co-founder and creator of the restaurant fundraising program. “She’s played a key role in helping us grow it into a multi-million dollar program, and we are thrilled that she has joined the team. I have no doubt she will be instrumental in getting this program to the next level.”

Prior to joining Corner Bakery Cafe in 2006, Hovey led marketing for Brinker International's Mexican Concepts division and served in several marketing roles within Carson Restaurants. She is involved in the National Restaurant Association and is a former chair and board member of its Marketing Executives Group.

Serving on the Technomic Advisory Council and Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference executive planning committee, she works with leaders throughout the industry to interpret trends, shape events, and plan communication.

“We know Diana’s leadership, her respect from within the industry, and her entrepreneurial spirit are going to help unite and guide the restaurant industry to even greater success for No Kid Hungry,” says Chuck Scofield, Share Our Strength’s chief development officer.  

Last year, 11,000 restaurants participated in Dine Out for No Kid Hungry, which has raised $28 million since its inception in 2008.