National Restaurant Association Executive and Leadership Team

Dawn Sweeney, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member at National Restaurant Association, maintains a legacy of influence within the foodservice landscape. Providing historical context and strategic continuity, Sweeney advises the current leadership team on long-term industry advocacy and policy engagement. This role involves fostering relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring the organization remains aligned with its foundational mission of supporting restaurant operators. By leveraging extensive experience in association management, Sweeney contributes to the stability and reputation of the organization. The board benefits from this deep institutional knowledge, which informs decisions regarding workforce development and regulatory frameworks. Dawn Sweeney continues to champion the interests of the broader business community, ensuring that the association remains a recognized voice for restaurant industry interests while navigating complex compliance requirements and promoting sustainable business practices across the entire sector.

Michelle Korsmo, the President & Chief Executive Officer at National Restaurant Association, directs the overarching strategy and advocacy efforts for the entire foodservice industry. Overseeing the organization's engagement with government bodies, Korsmo shapes policy frameworks that directly impact restaurant operations and labor standards. This leadership role involves coordinating with industry partners to address shared challenges, including food safety regulations and business sustainability. By driving initiatives that provide members with critical research and educational programming, Korsmo ensures the association remains a vital hub for industry stakeholders. Michelle Korsmo manages the executive team to align operational goals with the mission of supporting member success in a complex market. Through strategic vision, the Chief Executive Officer expands the influence of the association, facilitating networking opportunities and promoting best practices that help members navigate emerging challenges within the foodservice landscape while maintaining a strong, unified voice for the industry.

Keri Stockland, the Chief Financial Officer at National Restaurant Association, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation necessary to support the organization's extensive research and advocacy programs. Directing financial planning and analysis, Stockland ensures that the association maintains the capital required to provide professional development and educational resources to members. This role involves overseeing compliance with financial regulations and optimizing the budget to support strategic initiatives across the foodservice sector. By monitoring market trends and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data-driven insights needed for the executive team to make informed business decisions. Keri Stockland collaborates with other leaders to secure the long-term financial stability of the association, enabling the organization to continue its work in shaping policy and supporting restaurant operators. Through rigorous financial oversight, Stockland strengthens the ability of the association to address critical industry issues and promote sustainable growth for all members.

Judith Mulcahy, the Chief Operating Officer at National Restaurant Association, executes the internal operational strategies that enable the organization to function as a central hub for industry stakeholders. Overseeing the day-to-day activities of the association, Mulcahy ensures that resources, research, and educational programming are delivered efficiently to members. This role involves streamlining internal processes to support the advocacy platform and workforce development initiatives. By managing the infrastructure that connects restaurant operators, suppliers, and allied businesses, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates the seamless execution of organizational goals. Judith Mulcahy works closely with the executive team to address shared challenges and opportunities within the sector, ensuring that operational capacity matches the strategic ambitions of the association. Through meticulous management of internal systems, Mulcahy supports the organization's mission to provide members with the tools needed to navigate complex compliance requirements and achieve long-term success in the foodservice industry.

Carmen Vacalebre, the President at National Restaurant Association, leads specific operational divisions focused on enhancing member value and industry-wide best practices. Directing initiatives that support restaurant operators in navigating complex compliance requirements, Vacalebre ensures that the association provides actionable guidance on labor standards and food safety. This role involves fostering collaboration between industry partners and government bodies to address critical issues affecting the foodservice landscape. By overseeing professional development programs and networking opportunities, the President helps members stay informed about operational innovations and emerging challenges. Carmen Vacalebre collaborates with the executive team to align these initiatives with the broader mission of the association, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for the business community. Through focused leadership, Vacalebre drives the implementation of strategies that promote business sustainability and growth, ultimately strengthening the position of the association as a recognized voice for restaurant industry interests.

Leslie Nagao, the Chief Marketing Officer at National Restaurant Association, architects the brand strategy and communication efforts that amplify the association's influence within the business community. Overseeing the promotion of research, educational programming, and advocacy platforms, Nagao ensures that members remain informed about market trends and operational innovations. This role involves developing targeted campaigns that highlight the value of association membership and facilitate networking among restaurant professionals. By managing the public image and digital presence of the organization, the Chief Marketing Officer drives engagement with suppliers and allied businesses. Leslie Nagao collaborates with the executive team to translate complex policy issues into accessible messaging for the broader industry. Through strategic outreach, Nagao expands the reach of the association, ensuring that the voice of the restaurant industry resonates with government bodies and the public alike, ultimately supporting the growth and success of members across the entire foodservice landscape.