Seasoned franchise leader helps advance job creation, regional economic development and entrepreneurial growth across Alvernia’s footprint
McDonald’s Owner/Operator and multi-restaurant entrepreneur Stephanie Rawden of Reading, Pa., has been appointed to the Alvernia University Board of Trustees.
With more than 30 years of leadership within the McDonald’s system, Rawden has helped grow her family’s organization from five restaurants founded by her father into a network of 56 locations employing more than 3,500 team members across central and eastern Pennsylvania, northern Delaware and southern New Jersey. Her experience overseeing multi-unit operations, large-scale hiring and workforce development brings a strong job-creation lens to Alvernia’s governing board.
“Stephanie Rawden brings decades of experience creating jobs and opportunity for thousands of employees across our region,” said President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. “As Alvernia continues to grow as a comprehensive regional university, her insight into workforce pipelines, organizational culture and entrepreneurial growth will help us align our mission-driven education with the needs of the communities we serve.”
Within the McDonald’s system, Rawden has served on several national leadership teams, contributes her expertise to the McDonald’s U.S. MenuTeam and serves on the board of directors for the Philadelphia McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association.
“Alvernia’s innovative model of higher education demonstrates how education, entrepreneurship and economic redevelopment can transform communities,” said Board of Trustees Chairperson Michael Duff. “Stephanie understands that intersection firsthand. Her track record of building businesses, creating jobs and partnering with local organizations will be invaluable as the board advances the university’s role in driving growth across the region.”
Rawden and her brother, Christian, lead a regional franchise organization that continues to expand its footprint and investment in local communities, including recent restaurant acquisitions in Delaware and sustained growth across central Pennsylvania. Their Rawden Joint Ventures restaurants offer hundreds of entry-level and management positions, providing tuition assistance and training opportunities that help employees build long-term careers within and beyond the restaurant industry.
A proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, Rawden holds a degree in business economics, grounding her strategic approach to multi-restaurant operations, financial stewardship and organizational growth. Beyond her industry roles, she and her family are active supporters of arts, education and human-service organizations across Berks County, including initiatives such as Safe Berks, local schools and libraries, and community arts organizations, reflecting a longstanding commitment to community well-being and regional quality of life.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, Rawden will help guide Alvernia’s strategic direction, including the continued regional expansion, addition of new experiential learning and entrepreneurship pathways, and advancement of the Partners in Progress comprehensive campaign in support of students, families and employers across eastern Pennsylvania.
To learn more about the Board of Trustees, visit Alvernia's leadership page.
