Lightbridge Academy Appoints Esteemed Executive Jose R. Costa to Board of Directors
Costa, brings unique expertise in both real estate and franchising, with specific experience in facilitating multi-unit operations and growth. This experience will be invaluable as Lightbridge Academy continues to execute on its strategic priorities of new center openings and expansion growth.
ISELIN, N.J., June 16, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Lightbridge Academy®, a leading early childhood education and child care franchise, is delighted to announce the appointment of seasoned business leader and experienced board member, Jose R. Costa, to its Board of Directors.
Costa brings to the Board a wealth of long-term development and CEO leadership experience, as well as an impressive background in multi-unit franchise operations across diverse industries.
"We are honored to have Mr. Costa join our board," said Gigi Schweikert, CEO of Lightbridge Academy. "His unique expertise in scaling businesses, along with his commitment to developing talent and enhancing organizational performance, aligns perfectly with our goals. We are excited about the strategic guidance he will provide as we continue to grow our franchise."
Costa's well-rounded career includes impactful roles as the CEO of Magnolia Wash Holdings, Global Chief Growth Officer and Executive Vice President of Bojangles Restaurants and CEO of For Eyes, part of GrandVision. He also held a position as Group President of Driven Brands, where he was instrumental in revamping operations and elevating franchise consistency.
Having built a reputation as a change agent, Costa's skill set in identifying new growth opportunities, as well as has ability to facilitate multi-unit franchise expansion and optimize operations, will be invaluable to Lightbridge Academy. Especially amid a challenging economy, Costa will be a key asset in helping Lightbridge Academy continue to execute on its strategic priorities of new center openings and franchise expansion.
Recognized as a "2023 Most Admired CEO" by the Charlotte Business Journal, Costa is known for his visionary leadership and commitment to workplace culture. He has been a strong community leader and was inducted into Northwestern University's Medill Hall of Achievement in 2018, reflecting his outstanding contribution to the field of journalism, media and integrated marketing communications.
Costa earned a master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He currently serves on the Northwestern University's Board of Advisors and is a board member of Simplicity Car Care and Axum Capital Partners.
"We are fortunate to have someone of Mr. Costa's caliber on our board," Schweikert concluded. "His fresh perspectives and successful leadership experiences will surely help us guide Lightbridge Academy to new heights."
Lightbridge Academy currently has over 140 child care centers either open or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. In 2022, the franchise sold 27 units and expanded into several new markets, including Michigan, Ohio and Texas, allowing entrepreneurs to introduce an essential service to their local community.
About Lightbridge Academy:
Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Lightbridge Academy provides quality early education and child care programs to children aged six weeks through kindergarten. The company currently has over 140 child care centers either open or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. In response to COVID-19, Lightbridge Academy launched The Lightbridge Promise as the Gold Standard for health & safety in the child care industry. In 2020, the company was featured on the Inc. 5000 ranking, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards, and on Newsweek's 2021 list of America's Best Customer Service. In 2022, Lightbridge Academy was featured for the 7th year on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 and for the 2nd year on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies.
Media Contact
Caitlin McCarthy, Mainland, 3125364996, cmccarthy@hellomainland.com
SOURCE Lightbridge Academy
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