Executive Bios
Natalie Black
Chief Executive Officer, Comfort Keepers, North America
Natalie joined CK Franchising, Inc. in October 2023 as Chief Executive Officer. She is a passionate and highly intuitive leader with professional experience across the healthcare, financial services, and entertainment industries. She joined Sodexo in 2015 as Director of Strategy and Franchise Business Development.
Over the next several years, Natalie accepted leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including CFO of Worldwide Home Care and COO of Worldwide Home Care at Sodexo.
Natalie earned a Bachelor of Science in Financial Mathematics and Statistics from University of California Santa Barbra and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.
Natalie also serves on the Board of Directors for One Simple Wish, which allows caring people to grant simple wishes to foster children, at-risk youth and impoverished families.
Ramzi Abdine
Chief Operating Officer, Comfort Keepers, North America
Ramzi Abdine joined CK Franchising, Inc. in January 2023. He transitioned from Sodexo WorldwideHome Care where he served as as Global Head of Corporate Development & Asset Management since 2019. In that capacity, Ramzi was responsible for expanding the Worldwide Home Care footprint.
Ramzi launched his career at Credit Suisse First Boston’s in New York City, and since that time, he has worked across multiple industries including defense, aerospace, space, and cybersecurity. After a time at Compass, Ramzi joined Sodexo Benefits and Rewards as VP of Sales & Marketing in Latin America where he and his team propelled significant, profitable revenue growth.
Along with 25+ years of excellent professional experience and proven successes, Ramzi brings a spirit of caring, collaboration, and commitment to improving the quality of life of our employees, those we serve, and the communities in which we operate.
Ramzi earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Georgetown University, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Columbia University, and an MBA in General Management from INSEAD Business School.
Ruth Azanki
Chief Financial Officer, North America
Ruth Azanki joined CK Franchising, Inc in November 2020 as Vice President of Finance. She has over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting spanning various industries. Ruth’s prior experience is with leading organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft and Providence St. Joseph Health. Most recently, she played lead role in transitioning an acquisition from an entrepreneurial management style to the structured approach required by Al Fakher, a Dubai based publicly traded company.
She holds an undergraduate degree in Finance from Rutgers University and an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Ruth was born and raised in Peru and currently resides in Orange County, CA with her husband, twin daughters and her two Coton de Tulears. She is an avid traveler, concert goer and creative cook.
Chris Tepe
Vice President of Franchise Operations
Chris joined CK Franchising, Inc. in 2012 as a Business Coach for New Franchisees and was since promoted into roles within Franchise and Company Operations.
In May of 2019, Chris was named Vice President of Franchise Operations North America where he can utilize his experience working directly with clients and caregivers to serve and influence the entire franchise support team.
Prior to becoming a Comfort Keeper, Chris worked in the restaurant industry for such brands as The Old Spaghetti Factory, Panera Bread, Chipotle and Buffalo Wild Wings. He held many roles in these brands including Director of Kitchen Operations, Director of Area Development and Regional Business Consultant. During his time in this industry he opened more than 75 new restaurants across the country.
He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. He loves spending time with his wife and family, enjoys traveling and being outdoors.
Saudia Gajadhar
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Saudia is known for fostering marketing innovation to create unique value for brands that increases differentiation and demand. She has significant branding and integrated marketing experience driving growth for healthcare, hospitality, food and consumer brands such as Comfort Inn, Johnson & Johnson, Sodexo Healthcare, Kellogg’s, Campbell’s, and Coca-Cola. She received her Master’s in Integrated Marketing from Northwestern University and holds a BA in psychology. She is an avid traveler and believer in the power of everyday moments of joy.
Jennifer Berryman
Sr. Director of Operations Service and R&D
Jennifer joined CK Franchising, Inc. in 2019 as Director of Operations Service and R&D. Jennifer has over 17 years in the healthcare and senior care space with experience as an executive team member, consultant, and former business owner successfully piloting innovative ideas and novel approaches in senior care while leading change management.
Before joining CK Franchising, Inc. Jennifer was a multi-unit Comfort Keepers franchise owner in California's Bay Area for 14 years. Her operations helped pave the way for large partnerships, innovative approaches to care, and process improvements. She also worked as a Consultant to CKFI for 2 years working with Company Operations and internal departments. Her career began in healthcare working for Kaiser Permanente with their Division of Research.
Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science with a minor in Business from the California State University East Bay. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, cooking, and travelling.
Rhea Jones
Sr. Director of Growth and Business Development
Rhea Jones, a Forbes Business Council contributor, joined CK Franchising, Inc. in November 2019. She began her career in healthcare as an entrepreneur. One of the early achievements for her and her business was working with the US Capitol Physicians and Homeland Security. Throughout her healthcare career, she has had the opportunity to serve on the advisory board for the California Hospital Association, provide leadership and growth strategy for one of the nation’s most significant home health and hospice providers, and engage in collaborative partnership strategies with Hospital systems.
She has over 25 years of experience in sales strategy, growth, and team management with organizations such as Mitsubishi, Gentiva, and Kindred Healthcare, which substantially contributes to the CK team. Rhea is an active participant in new learning opportunities recently completed a specialized Servant Leadership program with Cornell University and is a 2023 Executive MBA Candidate. She enjoys living and working in southern California and spends her free time traveling and outdoors.
