National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Name 2024 Boards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced their 2024 board officers, directors and trustees.

Jeff Lobdell, president and founder of Restaurant Partners Management, will serve as chair of the NRA Board of Directors, and Shaun Beard, senior vice president of SAVOR Hospitality, will serve as chair of the NRAEF Board of Trustees.

"The restaurant industry is changing, along with the expectations of the customers and communities we serve," said Michelle Korsmo, president & CEO of the NRA and CEO of the NRAEF. "As chairs of the association and foundation boards, Jeff and Shaun bring a passion for exceptional dining experiences and community-based leadership. We're also pleased to welcome our newly elected board members who represent the breadth and depth of our industry. Their collective knowledge and insights will be critical as we work to advance a thriving restaurant and foodservice industry."

Vice Chair Richard Schneider, chief development officer of Areas USA, and Treasurer Mike Axiotis, CEO and president of the Lehigh Valley Restaurant Group, complete the association's board leadership.

"The restaurant industry has provided more than 60% of the adult workforce in this country with skills that have added to their value in the professional world,” said Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF. “The NRAEF is dedicated to keeping those skills on the restaurant industry career ladder. I look forward to working with Shaun and the trustees to develop the opportunity and support needed for today and tomorrow's workforce.”

Other NRAEF officers include Vice Chair Bill Kohl, principal of Greenwood Hospitality Group, and Treasurer Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association. 

Each of the officers will serve a one-year term.

The NRA also added several new members to the board. Newly elected directors include:

• Madelyn Alfano, Maria's Italian Kitchen
• Dagmar Boggs, The Coca-Cola Company
• Greg Flynn, Flynn Restaurant Group
• Michael Gonda, McDonald's Corporation
• Victoria Gutierrez, Sysco
• GJ Hart, Red Robin International
• John Horne, Oysters Rock Hospitality, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, and Café L'Europe
• Bill Kitsilis, Axios Hospitality
• Amber Moshakos, LM Restaurants
• Sam Sanchez, Third Coast Hospitality
  

In addition to naming its new board officers, the NRAEF also introduced its new board trustees:

• Mateo Cidre, Sobao Bakery & Restaurant
• Damian Hanft, Inspire Brands