The Triad Business Journal honors Jennings in its inaugural class of "Most Admired" CEOs in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region.
Elon University trustee Burney Jennings ’87 is recognized as one of the Triad’s “Most Admired CEOs” by the Triad Business Journal. He is among 16 chief executive officers that make up the inaugural group being recognized by the weekly business news publication. Jennings is president and CEO of Biscuitville Fresh Southern, a family business started by his father, Maurice Jennings, a 1957 Elon graduate and trustee emeritus.
The Business Journal honors 16 CEOs for their leadership and success within their organizations, as well as their positive impact to the community. They will be celebrated at a ceremony on July 28 at the Greensboro Country Club.
In announcing the top CEOs, the Triad Business Journal noted the outstanding qualities of these leaders. “Beyond the impact they have in creating jobs and contributing to the economy, CEOs are also community champions,” the editors wrote. “The relationships and skill sets they’ve honed in the C-suite are brought to bear at local nonprofits and academic institutions and economic development groups.”
Jennings graduated from Elon with a degree in business administration with a concentration in finance and a minor in accounting. He worked in various roles at Biscuitville before becoming CEO and president. Since taking over leadership of Biscuitville in 1997, Burney Jennings has continued the growth trajectory started by his father. He opened restaurants in new cities throughout North Carolina and Virginia, and added key managerial and administration positions to support the company’s growth. In 2007, he moved the corporate office to a new facility in Greensboro, N.C.
Burney Jennings was named Elon Young Alumnus of the Year in 1997 and joined the Board of Trustees in 2000. He was an early advocate for the establishment of Elon University School of Law in downtown Greensboro, and he and his wife, Dina Blake Jennings ’87, were among the founding donors to the law school. The Jennings family has been among Elon’s most generous donors, making gifts to endow the Jennings Professor of Law and to support scholarships, the Phoenix Club, building projects and the annual fund.
Burney Jennings has chaired the board at Greensboro Day School and is active with the Greensboro Rotary, Greensboro Sports Council and the Wachovia Piedmont Triad Region Board of Advisors.