Dee Robinson-Evans

Dee Robinson is a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader renowned for her strategic thinking and analytical prowess, which she leverages to drive innovative solutions that propel businesses to new heights. Throughout her illustrious career, Dee has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to foster growth by integrating a deep understanding of customers, operational excellence, and untapped market opportunities. Her contributions have been lauded for creating value, nurturing talent as a strategic asset, and making a significant social impact.

Dee’s journey began in 1995 when she founded Robinson Hill, Inc., a concessions management firm specializing in retail and restaurants at airports and unconventional venues. Under her visionary leadership, the company scaled operations while forming successful joint ventures and partnerships, now encompassing over 60 airport restaurants and retail stores. Notable brands and collaborations include Hudson Group, Frontera Grill, Ben & Jerry’s, Farmer’s Fridge, Potbelly, and Lettuce Us Entertain You.

Dee’s experience extends beyond her entrepreneurial ventures. As a former casino and video gambling industry regulator, she possesses deep expertise in compliance and governance. Her dedication to governance and leadership is further exemplified through her roles as a board director for Accel Entertainment (NYSE: ACEL), serving on the Nominating/Governance, Gaming, and Compliance committees; Athena Consumer Acquisition Corp. SPAC (NYSE: ACAQ- UN), serving on the Audit committee; and Wintrust Bank, contributing to the Audit and Risk committees. Dee’s appointments also include the EXIM Bank’s Council of Advancing Women in Business.

Her commitment to community and industry involvement is reflected in her co-chairmanship of PGA WORKS and her trusteeship of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. Dee is also a board director for the Gaillard Performing Arts Center and a Senior Advisor to Golf Nation. Additionally, she serves on the advisory boards of Revieve and AllCampus. Past board experiences include roles with the Illinois Gaming Board, Meridian Health Care, LaRabida Children’s Hospital, Committee of 200, and the Fetzer Institute.

Dee’s dedication as a board member is marked by her unwavering commitment to strategic growth, solution-driven guidance, and value creation. Her exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a HistoryMaker, Chicago United Business Leader of Color, Private Company Director Magazine’s Director to Watch, WomenInc.’s Most Influential Corporate Director, and Diversity MBA Magazine’s Top 100 Women of Influence. Dee was also honored with the National Civic Award from the Fellowship Open and the Catalyst Award from AMAC.

In her current role as CEO of Robinson Hill, Dee excels in deploying, allocating, and managing assets to build the necessary capacity in terms of capital, talent development, and training for successful market presence. Her adeptness in crafting comprehensive go-to-market strategies for key audiences has been pivotal in driving business expansion. She has spearheaded multiple capital development efforts to fund growth and market penetration. Dee is further recognized as an outstanding operator who excels in driving sales, operational efficiency, innovation, and management performance.

Before launching Robinson Hill, Dee gained valuable experience as an Associate Product Director at Johnson & Johnson and later with Leo Burnett. Her early career included roles as a commercial loan officer with AmeriTrust Bank and a financial analyst with Northern Trust.

Dee is not only a successful business leader but also an accomplished author, with multiple articles published in Forbes, WayMaker, and Enterprising Women Magazine, as well as books such as “Snap It! Leading Forward, Living Bravely,” and the bestseller “Courage By Design.” Her professional memberships include NACD, Women Corporate Directors, C200, The Chicago Network, the Chicago Economic Club, and affiliations with the Illinois and National Restaurant Associations.

Dee holds an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania. She received an Honorary Doctorate in Human Letters from Kentucky Wesleyan College in May 2024. Her multifaceted expertise, unwavering dedication, and visionary leadership make Dee Robinson an invaluable asset to any board and a force for positive change in the corporate world.