#United States #Washington, D.C. #NRAEF #National Restaurant Association #Foodservice Industry

National Restaurant Association Announces 2025 Leadership

On January 16, 2025, the National Restaurant Association (NRA) and its Educational Foundation (NRAEF) revealed the leaders of their boards for the upcoming year, emphasizing their commitment to the restaurant industry's growth and future. These appointments come at a critical time when the restaurant sector, worth approximately $1.1 trillion, plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy.

New Board Leadership Roles

Richard "Rich" Schneider, chief development officer at Areas USA, has been appointed chair of the NRA Board of Directors. His responsibilities will encompass strategic growth initiatives and community engagement efforts. Complementing Schneider in leadership roles are Mike Axiotis, CEO of Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands, who will act as Vice Chair, and Jeanne Cretella, president of Landmark Hospitality, who takes on the role of Treasurer.

Bill Kohl, a prominent figure in hotel management and the operational lead for Greenwood Hospitality Group, will serve as chair for the NRAEF Board of Trustees. His extensive background in restaurant development and concept design is expected to bolster the foundation’s efforts in workforce training and educational initiatives.

The Importance of Restaurant Workforce Development

Michelle Korsmo, President and CEO of the NRA and NRAEF, articulated the importance of this leadership transition, stating, "The incoming leadership brings years of experience and a passion for enhancing community connections, which makes them vital partners for the industry’s success. They will be instrumental as we strive to foster a robust restaurant workforce for both current and future needs."

The restaurant industry not only employs over 15.5 million people across the U.S., but also serves as a critical entry point to long-term career paths for many Americans. Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing, "The restaurant industry is America's training ground." With a renewed leadership team, the NRAEF is poised to capitalize on their collective knowledge and commitment to workforce development initiatives.

New Board Members and Innovations

In addition to established figures, the boards will welcome new members with diverse backgrounds in the foodservice industry. Newly elected board directors include individuals from notable companies such as Wingstop Restaurants and the Connecticut Restaurant Association. This diversity will enable the boards to approach industry challenges from various perspectives and drive innovation.

The NRA and NRAEF are staunch proponents of meaningful workforce development programs. Their initiatives, like the ProStart program, offer high school students the opportunity to explore restaurant and foodservice careers while gaining hands-on experience. Other programs include training for military veterans transitioning to civilian life in the restaurant sector.

Conclusion

As the NRA and NRAEF prepare for an exciting year ahead, their newly declared leadership is positioned to tackle the evolving challenges of the restaurant industry. With a focus on workforce development and community engagement, they aim to strengthen the sector's resilience and contribute to the continued economic growth of the United States, making the association a crucial ally for restaurants nationwide. By leveraging their collective expertise, Schneider, Kohl, and their teams are set to usher in a productive era for the restaurant landscape in 2025 and beyond.

For more insights about the National Restaurant Association and its initiatives, visit Restaurant.org.