National Restaurant Association Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Restaurant Association has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, marketing, 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 impactful 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
  • 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 stakeholders to address critical sector challenges and opportunities. This leadership role involves shaping policy frameworks and regulatory engagement to support business sustainability and workforce development across the United States. By fostering strategic partnerships with government bodies and industry allies, Korsmo ensures the association effectively advocates for member interests. The President & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization's mission to provide essential resources, cutting-edge research, and professional development programs. Through this comprehensive approach, Korsmo guides the National Restaurant Association in its role as a recognized voice for the industry, promoting best practices and navigating complex compliance landscapes. Ultimately, Michelle Korsmo's leadership ensures the continued growth and resilience of the foodservice sector.
    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 organization's enduring commitment to the foodservice industry. Sweeney's distinguished tenure established a foundation for robust advocacy and member support, influencing policy and regulatory frameworks that benefit restaurant operators and suppliers. This honorary role continues to leverage Sweeney's deep industry expertise to guide the association's long-term vision and impact. The President & Chief Executive Officer, Emerita & Lifetime Honorary Board Member contributes to shaping industry best practices and promoting business sustainability through informed guidance. By maintaining a connection to the organization's core mission, Dawn Sweeney supports the provision of vital resources, research, and educational programming. This continued engagement ensures the National Restaurant Association remains a powerful advocate, fostering innovation and addressing emerging challenges within the sector.

    Keri Stockland - Chief Financial Officer

    Keri Stockland, the Chief Financial Officer at National Restaurant Association, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Stockland manages budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the fiscal health and sustainability of the association's extensive operations. This critical role involves overseeing financial compliance, managing investments, and optimizing resource allocation to support the organization's advocacy and member services. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in analyzing market trends and economic factors that impact the restaurant and foodservice industry, providing financial insights to inform strategic decisions. By maintaining robust financial controls and transparent reporting, Stockland ensures the integrity of the association's financial activities. This leadership position is essential for supporting the National Restaurant Association's mission to advance the industry through research, education, and policy engagement. Keri Stockland's financial acumen underpins the organization's capacity to deliver value to its members.

    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 key departments responsible for event execution, resource management, and internal process optimization, contributing directly to the association's operational effectiveness. This leadership position involves implementing strategic initiatives to enhance member experience and streamline organizational workflows. The Chief Operating Officer plays a vital role in coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals, ensuring seamless execution of advocacy campaigns and educational offerings. By focusing on operational excellence, Judith Mulcahy supports the National Restaurant Association's mission to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for the restaurant and foodservice industry. This dedication to efficient operations underpins the association's ability to serve its diverse membership effectively.
    Judith Mulcahy

    Carmen Vacalebre - President

    Carmen Vacalebre, the President at National Restaurant Association, drives strategic initiatives and fosters key relationships within the restaurant and foodservice industry. Vacalebre focuses on advancing the association's mission through targeted programs and collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders. This leadership position involves cultivating partnerships that strengthen the organization's advocacy platform and expand its reach across the sector. The President plays a significant role in identifying emerging trends and opportunities that impact restaurant operators and suppliers, guiding the association's response and strategic direction. By championing industry best practices and promoting business sustainability, Carmen Vacalebre contributes to the overall growth and resilience of the foodservice landscape. This leadership ensures the National Restaurant Association effectively serves its members and advocates for the industry's interests.

    Leslie Nagao - Chief Marketing Officer

    Leslie Nagao, the Chief Marketing Officer at National Restaurant Association, leads all marketing and communications strategies to enhance the association's brand presence and member engagement. Nagao develops and executes campaigns that promote the organization's resources, research, and advocacy efforts across the foodservice sector. This role involves overseeing digital marketing, public relations, and content creation to effectively communicate the value proposition to operators, suppliers, and allied businesses. The Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging that highlights the association's commitment to advancing industry standards and supporting member success. By analyzing market dynamics and consumer trends, Nagao shapes marketing initiatives that resonate with stakeholders and drive participation in association programs. Leslie Nagao's strategic marketing leadership amplifies the National Restaurant Association's influence and reach, fostering a stronger, more unified industry. This focus on strategic outreach supports the organization's core mission.
    Leslie Nagao

    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 role is crucial for ensuring the association has robust technological capabilities to deliver its services, conduct research, and facilitate communication across the industry. The Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer leads initiatives focused on digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data management to safeguard sensitive information and enhance technological accessibility. By aligning technology investments with organizational objectives, Trina McMillan ensures the National Restaurant Association remains at the forefront of innovation. This strategic technology leadership is fundamental to supporting the association's mission and its members' evolving needs in the digital age.
    Trina McMillan

    Explore Leadership Teams in Membership Organizations

    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 7 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.