National Restaurant Association Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Restaurant Association has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, operations, technology, and advocacy.

Driven by a commitment to industry advancement, National Restaurant Association champions the restaurant and foodservice sector by uniting operators, suppliers, and allied businesses to navigate challenges and foster growth through robust advocacy, essential resources, and comprehensive educational programming.

Leadership Roles at National Restaurant Association

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michelle Korsmo
  • President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member - Dawn Sweeney
  • Chief Financial Officer - Keri Stockland
  • Chief Operating Officer - Judith Mulcahy
  • President - Carmen Vacalebre
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Leslie Nagao
  • Chief of Staff - David Nelson
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - Trina McMillan
  • Michelle Korsmo - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michelle Korsmo, the President & Chief Executive Officer at National Restaurant Association, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Korsmo spearheads initiatives that advance the restaurant and foodservice industry, aligning member interests with policy objectives. This leadership role involves guiding the association's advocacy efforts, ensuring effective engagement with government bodies and industry partners to address critical issues such as labor standards and food safety regulations. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Korsmo drives the association's mission to support member success and promote industry-wide best practices. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization remains a recognized voice for restaurant industry interests, promoting business sustainability and operational innovation across the sector. Korsmo's strategic vision shapes the association's response to emerging challenges and opportunities, solidifying its position as a vital resource for restaurant professionals nationwide.
    Michelle Korsmo

    Dawn Sweeney - President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member

    Dawn Sweeney, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member at National Restaurant Association, provides ongoing strategic counsel and embodies the association's long-standing commitment to the foodservice industry. Sweeney's distinguished tenure established foundational principles for industry advocacy and member support. This honorary role leverages extensive experience to inform current leadership on market dynamics and policy landscapes. The President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member contributes to maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and upholding the association's reputation as a central hub for industry collaboration. Sweeney's continued influence supports the organization's mission to advance the restaurant and foodservice sector through informed guidance and historical perspective. This position ensures the continuity of strategic insights, reinforcing the association's dedication to member success and industry best practices.

    Keri Stockland - Chief Financial Officer

    Keri Stockland, the Chief Financial Officer at National Restaurant Association, manages the organization's financial health, fiscal planning, and resource allocation. Stockland oversees all accounting operations, budgeting processes, and financial reporting to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. This critical role involves developing financial strategies that support the association's operational goals and advocacy initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and implements robust internal controls to safeguard organizational assets. By providing accurate financial insights, Stockland enables informed decision-making across all departments, contributing to the effective management of member resources and program investments. Keri Stockland's financial acumen is essential for maintaining the association's stability and its capacity to deliver comprehensive services to the restaurant and foodservice industry.

    Judith Mulcahy - Chief Operating Officer

    Judith Mulcahy, the Chief Operating Officer at National Restaurant Association, oversees the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the efficient delivery of member services and programs. Mulcahy manages internal processes, optimizes resource utilization, and drives operational excellence across the organization. This leadership role involves coordinating departmental activities to align with the association's strategic objectives, including advocacy, research, and professional development. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational frameworks support the association's mission to advance the restaurant and foodservice industry effectively. By streamlining workflows and enhancing internal efficiencies, Mulcahy contributes to the organization's capacity to serve its diverse membership. Judith Mulcahy's operational leadership is key to maintaining the association's effectiveness and its ability to respond dynamically to industry needs.
    Judith Mulcahy

    Carmen Vacalebre - President

    Carmen Vacalebre, the President at National Restaurant Association, leads specific strategic initiatives and operational areas within the organization, contributing to its overall mission of advancing the restaurant and foodservice industry. Vacalebre focuses on driving key programs and fostering stakeholder relationships to enhance member value and industry impact. This leadership role involves overseeing critical functions that support the association's advocacy efforts and resource provision. The President ensures that operational strategies are effectively implemented to meet the evolving needs of restaurant operators, suppliers, and allied businesses. By directing focused efforts, Carmen Vacalebre plays a vital part in strengthening the association's influence and its commitment to industry best practices and sustainability.

    Leslie Nagao - Chief Marketing Officer

    Leslie Nagao, the Chief Marketing Officer at National Restaurant Association, directs all marketing and communications strategies to enhance industry engagement and promote the association's value proposition. Nagao oversees the development and execution of campaigns that highlight the organization's research, educational programs, and advocacy achievements. This leadership position involves shaping the brand identity and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms to reach restaurant operators, suppliers, and allied businesses. The Chief Marketing Officer drives initiatives that foster deeper connections with members and attract new participants to the association's network. By analyzing market trends and member needs, Nagao ensures marketing efforts effectively support the organization's mission to advance the foodservice industry. Leslie Nagao's expertise in strategic communication strengthens the association's outreach and impact, reinforcing its role as a vital resource for industry stakeholders.
    Leslie Nagao

    David Nelson - Chief of Staff

    David Nelson, the Chief of Staff at National Restaurant Association, provides strategic support to the President & Chief Executive Officer and facilitates the execution of key organizational initiatives. Nelson manages cross-functional projects, enhances internal communication, and ensures alignment between leadership priorities and operational activities. This role involves coordinating efforts across various departments to drive progress on critical industry issues and member engagement strategies. The Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison, fostering collaboration and ensuring that the association's resources are effectively deployed to meet its objectives. By streamlining executive operations and supporting strategic planning, David Nelson contributes significantly to the association's effectiveness in advancing the restaurant and foodservice industry.

    Trina McMillan - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    Trina McMillan, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at National Restaurant Association, directs the organization's technology strategy and information systems infrastructure. McMillan oversees the implementation and management of IT solutions that support operational efficiency, data security, and member engagement platforms. This leadership position involves ensuring that technology investments align with the association's mission to advance the restaurant and foodservice industry. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer drives innovation in digital services, enhancing the member experience and providing robust data analytics capabilities. By managing technological resources effectively, McMillan ensures the association remains at the forefront of industry advancements. Trina McMillan's expertise in information technology is crucial for maintaining the organization's operational integrity and its capacity to leverage digital tools for industry support.
    Trina McMillan

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Restaurant Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Restaurant Association?
    National Restaurant Association is led by Michelle Korsmo (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dawn Sweeney (President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member) and Keri Stockland (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of National Restaurant Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Restaurant Association includes leaders such as Michelle Korsmo (President & Chief Executive Officer), Dawn Sweeney (President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member), Keri Stockland (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Restaurant Association have?
    National Restaurant Association has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Restaurant Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Restaurant Association includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President.