Springfield-based restaurant franchisee Hamra Enterprises LLC has created a new management role designed to support the company’s philanthropic work.

Rachael Sellhorn of Collierville, Tennessee, has been appointed as Hamra Enterprises’ first director of giving, according to a news release issued yesterday. She started in the position in January and has been with Hamra Enterprises since 2019, said Eve Metheny, vice president of marketing for Hamra Enterprises.

“Our company proudly embraces a commitment to our team members, as well as the communities we serve, and I am overwhelmed by the support from our employees to this philosophy,” said Mike Hamra, CEO of Hamra Enterprises, in the release. “By naming a director of giving dedicated solely to these efforts, Hamra Enterprises will be better positioned to give back to the individuals, families and communities who have contributed significantly to our success.”

Since joining Hamra Enterprises, Sellhorn has served as a volunteer for the company’s employee emergency assistance program HERO, or Hamra Employees Reaching Out, Fund. In her new role, she’ll oversee the fund’s administration and all company philanthropic work.

Hamra Enterprises, which operates Wendy’s, Panera Bread, Noodles and Co. and Caribou Coffee franchises, has a HERO Fund with more than $617,000 available annually, according to the release. Hamra Enterprises has donated more than $5.8 million to organizations such as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in recent years.