CONNECT
SPEAKER
Professional Chef and Caterer and Tony Roma’s Operator
Kiesha Smith is an accomplished culinary executive, consultant, and community leader with over two decades of hands-on industry experience. Beginning her restaurant career in 2005 as a hostess at TGI Fridays, Kiesha quickly earned a spot on the line, embarking on a path that led her through high-volume kitchens and premier fine-dining establishments, including Ruth's Chris, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse of Tulsa and D’Vina's on Greenwood. Known as both a visionary creator and a disciplined executor, she excels in strategic menu development, kitchen system optimization, and cultivating high-performing team cultures.
Recognizing her exceptional culinary talent and versatile skill set, regional industry leaders championed her path to complete advanced training at Oklahoma State University, where she specialized in international cuisine, purchasing, and restaurant management systems. Beyond executive kitchen leadership and restaurant consulting, Kiesha is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy, bringing a unique ability to unite people, teams, mentor emerging talent, and make every guest and team member feel like family. Today, she represents Tony Roma’s as Executive Chef, bringing a passion for operational excellence and community-first leadership.