COLUMBUS, Ohio - CuisineWire -- Diane Reed, CFO at City Barbeque, has been named to the Columbus Smart 50, Smart Business Columbus magazine's annual list of Central Ohio's 50 top executives.

Established in 2014, the Smart 50 Awards recognize the top executives of the region's 50 smartest companies for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. The 2020 honorees were recognized at a virtual ceremony on November 5, celebrating achievements in innovation, impact, and sustainability.

Reed joined City Barbeque in June 2019 and immediately set to work furthering the brand on its path to becoming one of the region's most forward-thinking companies. Her guidance allowed the company to preserve liquidity needs through the COVID-19 crisis, allowing plans for growth to continue. Reed was key in the brand's rapid adjustment to the pandemic, rolling out new revenue channels and bolstering sales to nearly pre-COVID numbers.

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"It's an honor to be included in this year's Smart 50 cohort, but the recognition truly belongs to the team here at City Barbeque," Reed said. "The innovation and growth we've been able to achieve this year would have been impossible without their flexibility, imagination, and resilience." City Barbeque Founder and CEO Rick Malir, himself honored at the 2018 Smart 50 Awards, said, "We're proud to have Diane on the team and couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this award. She's been invaluable during this crisis, helping us find ways to realize our long-term goals without losing sight of our core values."

Other recent recognition for City Barbeque includes a Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service, a spot on the Fast Casual Top 100, and a Best Practices Award from TDn2K, all in 2019. In 2018, the company was named Best Employer in Columbus CEO's annual Best of Business Awards. Learn more about City Barbeque at http://citybbq.com.