March 2020 Luncheon

Join us as we welcome Christine Specht, CEO of Cousin's Subs, to present at our monthly luncheon. We look forward to seeing you and guests are always welcome!

Christine Specht grew up with Cousins Subs — the sub sandwich chain her dad, Bill Specht, founded with his cousin two years before she was born. Before taking on the role of Cousins’ human resources manager in 2001, Specht worked as a staff member of the Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau in Madison, Wisconsin. In 2008, she became the President and Chief Operating Officer of Cousins Subs and in 2015 assumed the role of President and Chief Executive Officer following her father's retirement. In this role, she successfully brought new life to a legacy brand by leading a series of system changes. These include a largescale rebranding strategy to establish consistency and unify the brand in look and feel across all locations, implementation of grills in all restaurants, and inclusion of Cousins’ Midwest heritage throughout its menu with signature local products including subs served with all Wisconsin cheeses. Under Specht’s leadership she strengthened Cousins’ unit-level economics, created a strong core of franchise partners, and positioned Cousins for growth in the Midwest. In January 2019, Specht transitioned from her dual role to narrow in on her responsibilities as CEO. In this role, she remains the visionary for the brand focused on continuing a strong culture throughout Cousins’ system and leading growth and business strategy.

Specht earned a bachelor's degree in criminology and law studies from Marquette University. While she worked toward her master's degree in public administration from American University in Washington, D.C., she spent time in the human resources departments of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Academy of Public Administration in Washington. Specht serves on Concordia University’s Wisconsin Board of Regents, is the Chair of Concordia University’s Wisconsin Foundation Board, the Vice Chair of The Management Association (MRA) and is the President on Cousins Subs Make It Better Foundation board. She has also committed nine years of service to both the Lutheran Living Services and Community Memorial Hospital. Specht has received the Cum Deo award from the Lutheran High School Association in 2017 in honor of her Christian service and accomplishments in business. In 2018, Specht was honored as one of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Women of Influence and recognized in Fast Casual magazine’s “Women in the Lead” series.