ATLANTA — Church’s Chicken recently announced Karen Jean Viera as its new vice president and chief people officer. In her new role, Viera will oversee full cycle Human Resources and Internal Communications.

Karen Viera

Viera will report directly to CEO Joe Christina, and work side by side with other C-level executives of Church’s.

“Ms. Viera is a tremendous addition to our executive team and we are excited to leverage her leadership, expertise, and diversity of thought at the highest level,” Christina said.  “A proven leader like Ms. Viera will help us build and elevate our talent through development, mentorship, robust performance management and workforce planning strategies.”

Her most recent role was senior vice president and chief human resource officer for MCIC Vermont which is an insurance and risk management firm specializing in the medical and healthcare professional industry. Before joining Church’s, Viera worked with Fortune 500 companies WellCare Health Plans Inc. and Assurant Inc.

“Church’s is one of the world’s most recognized restaurant brands and I’m excited to be a part of that energy,” Viera said. “I strongly believe that my in-depth expertise, coupled with my hands-on approach to human resources can help propel the brand and its people to new heights."

Viera is a graduate of Florida International Univ., Chapman Graduate School of Business in Miami, where she earned her master’s degree in Human Resource Management. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources from Trinity International Univ., also in Miami.