When Servant Leadership Isn't Enough
David Chen
Franchise Owner | Chick-fil-A
Tulsa
Downtown DoubleTree
616 W 7th St
Thursday, February 19th
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Networking Time: 10:45-11:15
Parking is free in the connected parking garage.
OK ETHICS will host a half-hour networking event in the foyer of the International Ballroom beginning at 10:45 a.m. The buffet will open at 11:15 a.m., and the meeting will start at 11:30 a.m.
Premium Members: Free for the number of pre-paid registrants included in membership
Members: $60
Non-Members: $70
CPE Details:
1. Instruction Delivery Method: Group Live Instruction
2. Prerequisites: None
3. Category: TBD
4. Attendance requirement: 50-minute presentation
5. Refund or cancellation policy: refunds are not available after the event
6. Complaint resolution policy: email mary@okethics.com with concerns
7. Advanced preparation: none
Content reviewer: Executive Director & CPE Coordinator
Program Description:
In this engaging leadership talk, David Chen shares insights from the Chick-fil-A leadership model, centered on the SERVE Leadership framework. Drawing from real-world experience leading high-performing teams, David explores how effective leaders cast a clear vision, develop people intentionally, foster innovation, and lead with strong character. Attendees will gain practical tools and principles they can immediately apply to elevate culture, performance, and long-term impact within their organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- Vision That Aligns and Inspires
Learn how great leaders clearly define and consistently communicate vision to align teams around a shared purpose.
- People Development as a Leadership Priority
Discover why developing people is not a side task but a core responsibility of leadership—and how it fuels sustainable success.
- Innovation Through Empowerment
Understand how creating the right environment allows teams to innovate, solve problems, and continuously improve.
- Character as the Foundation of Leadership
Explore why credibility, integrity, and servant-hearted leadership are essential for building trust and long-term influence.
- Practical SERVE Leadership Application
Walk away with actionable ways to apply the SERVE Leadership model in any organization, regardless of size or industry.
About the Speaker:
David Chen is the proud son of first-generation immigrants from Taiwan. His family came to the U.S. in the mid-1960s through his father’s engineering career, and David became the first in his family born in the United States. Following in his father's footsteps, David earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Driven by a deep passion for service, David spent two years overseas as a missionary in East Asia before returning to pursue a master’s degree in Theology and Cross-Cultural Leadership.
His career journey has been rooted in servant leadership—from roles in church ministry and refugee resettlement, to corporate leadership at Starbucks, and ultimately to his entrepreneurial path at Chick-fil-A.
In 2010, David joined Chick-fil-A's corporate team, spending five years recruiting and selecting franchise Operators for the Southwest and West regions. In 2015, he transitioned into
ownership himself, opening his first Chick-fil-A restaurant at the Southroads Shopping Center in Midtown Tulsa. Since then, David has led one of the most dynamic franchise operations in the chain.
Under his leadership:
His locations have served over 7 million guests
Developed over 1,000 Team Members, many of whom have gone on to leadership and career growth beyond the restaurant
Donated $2.5M+ in in-kind contributions back to the Tulsa community
Achieved status as one of the largest Chick-fil-A’s in Oklahoma and among the top 100 nationwide (out of 3,000+ locations). David is known not only for operational excellence but for creating a people-first culture that has resulted in one of the lowest turnover rates across the Chick-fil-A system. His innovations in leadership development and team culture have been recognized and adopted by other operators across the country.
In 2025, David expanded his footprint with a second location at 13th & Utica. Across both restaurants, he currently employs over 200 team members and continues to mentor emerging leaders within and beyond his organization.
His mission remains clear: To have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A. That mission is lived out through warm hospitality, community involvement, and a deep investment in people. David’s leadership has been recognized with honors such as Tulsa’s Most Diverse Business Champion and Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant. A graduate of Leadership Tulsa, David has served on boards including Emergency Infant Services, Leadership Tulsa, Junior Achievement (state and regional), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (regional), and Tulsa Executives Association.
David and his wife, Lynn, have been married for 18 years and are raising two daughters, both students in the Jenks school system. They are active members of First Baptist Jenks, where David serves in children’s and youth ministry.
Previous Awards
2020 Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40
2021 Diverse Small Business Champion
2025 Chick-fil-A Grand Opening | 13th & Utica
2025 Finalist for Small Business Person of the Year
News Stories
Tulsa Dream Center
Junior Achievement
Chick-fil-A in the Community
Good Samaritan | Chick-fil-A Fire
KXOJ Live Broadcast
Additional Videos
Chick-fil-A Midtown Tulsa Employee Promise
Chick-fil-A Scholarships
Keynote Speech | The Secret Sauce of Chick-fil-A
2020 Oklahoma Magazine 40 Under 40
2021 Diverse Small Business Champion
2025 Chick-fil-A Grand Opening | 13th & Utica
2025 Finalist Small Business Person of the Year
News Stories
Tulsa Dream Center
Junior Achievement
Chick-fil-A in the Community
Good Samaritan | Chick-fil-A Fire
KXOJ Live Broadcast
Additional Videos
Chick-fil-A Midtown Tulsa Employee Promise
Chick-fil-A Scholarships
Keynote Speech | The Secret Sauce of Chick-fil-A
