Wells named CEO of Bridge Communities

Karen Wells has been named the CEO of Glen Ellyn-based Bridge Communities, an organization that provides housing, mentoring and supportive services to homeless families in DuPage County.

Wells previously served as vice president of U.S. Innovation, vice president of U.S. strategy, vice president of operations and vice president of nutrition and menu development for McDonald’s 13,000 U.S. restaurants. She led McDonald’s team with former First Lady Michelle Obama on the “Let’s Move” children’s health initiative. In addition. she owned and operated two small businesses as a franchisee in early childhood development and as president and CEO of The AIW Group.

Wells has been an active volunteer with Bridge Communities for nearly 10 years and is a previous board member.

“With Karen’s outstanding business and leadership skills and passion for helping the poor and disenfranchised, we will continue to serve families facing homelessness with compassion and excellence,” Zed Francis, chairman of the board of directors, said in a statement.