Tanya Waters: Director of Risk Management at Denny’s

When it comes to wearing multiple hats, Tanya Waters does it with precision, humor, and heart. As Director of Risk Management at Denny’s and a leader with over 25 years of experience in the insurance space, Tanya brings a rare blend of depth, compassion, and strategic thinking to every room she walks into.

At Denny’s, Tanya oversees the entire self-insured insurance program for company-owned restaurants across the U.S.—a role that includes everything from claims and litigation management to broker strategy and vendor oversight. But her impact stretches far beyond the technical. Tanya also serves on Denny’s DEI Council, chairs the Women’s Leadership Business Resource Group, and actively contributes to the LGBTQ+ BRG. Her dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces is as strong as her risk acumen.

Her journey into the industry was, as she puts it, “happenstance.” Armed with a paralegal degree and curiosity, Tanya found herself working as a workers’ compensation adjuster—an experience that revealed her natural strength in helping people through difficult moments. “I didn’t plan for this path,” she shares. “But I found something I loved—interacting with people, helping them navigate challenges, and being part of their recovery.”

Over the years, she’s held positions on both the carrier and client sides—from claims manager to liability unit manager—before landing at Denny’s nine years ago. What keeps her energized in her role? “The people,” she says without hesitation. “At Denny’s, we feed people—body, mind, and soul. That philosophy is at the heart of everything we do.”

Tanya’s leadership style is fueled by an inquisitive mindset, strategic problem-solving, and a genuine desire to grow. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to lean in when opportunity presents itself,” she says. “Even if you don’t have every qualification, raise your hand. Stretch assignments lead to growth.”

Her weekly calendar is filled with more meetings than she’d like to admit—“too many that could’ve been emails,” she jokes—but she remains focused on meaningful work: collaborating with district managers and HR on claims, reviewing litigation strategy with attorneys, and staying close to the data that drives their outcomes. “There’s more data than ever now,” she notes. “The key is knowing how to use it.”

Despite her outgoing role, Tanya reveals a more introspective side: “Most people see me as an extrovert, but I’m actually very introverted. I have to work hard in social settings.” She values quiet reflection, grounding her mornings with intention and closing out the week with time outdoors, family dinners, and lake or beach days.

Her proudest moments? The ripple effects of encouragement—mentoring others, creating inclusive spaces, and supporting team members through hard seasons. She’s the type of leader who lifts as she climbs.

Describing herself as “perfectly imperfect, inquisitive, and kind,” Tanya believes her greatest strength is self-awareness. “I’ve learned to quiet that inner voice that holds me back. That’s been one of my biggest wins.”

Looking to the future, Tanya sees risk management evolving rapidly—fueled by data science, automation, and AI. But the heart of it will remain the same: people. “No matter how the industry changes, our ability to connect, lead with empathy, and be present will always matter.”

If stranded on a deserted island, Tanya would bring her family, her dogs, and a bottle of expensive champagne—a perfect metaphor for the way she approaches life: with love, loyalty, and something to celebrate.

Tanya Waters is proof that the most successful leaders aren’t just sharp thinkers—they’re deeply human. And in a world that’s constantly shifting, she reminds us that balance, curiosity, and connection will always lead the way.