The National Restaurant Association, the foodservice industry’s largest trade group, has expanded its executive leadership team with the addition of two senior staff members.
Simultaneously, the group’s personnel-development and education arm, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), has expanded its executive ranks with the appointment of a VP of marketing.
Sue Hensley, who led the association’s public affairs and communications department for a decade, has returned to the association as SVP of member engagement, a new position.
In that role, she’ll be responsible for deepening relations with NRA members and ensuring the group’s programs, policies and initiatives align with their needs. She was most recently EVP of communication and public affairs for the American Trucking Association, a potent political force.
Chad Moutray joins the association as VP of research and knowledge, where he’ll work with Chief Economist Bruce Grindy and Research and Knowledge SVP Hudson Riehle in collecting and analyzing data pertinent to the restaurant business. His prior jobs include serving for about 13 years as chief economist for the National Association of Manufacturers. Moutray holds a doctorate in economics from Southern Illinois University.
Chris Kenny has joined the NRAEF as VP of marketing, with responsibility for the marketing strategy behind such talent-development programs as ProStart, Restaurant Ready, Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society and the Restaurant and Hospitality Leadership Center. He previously led the global diversity and inclusion efforts of the music service Spotify.
All three candidates had logged time during their careers at the U.S. Small Business Administration, the government agency charged with fostering entrepreneurship.
“Each of these leaders fortifies our organization’s ability to fulfill our mission as a membership trade association,” Michelle Korsmo, CEO of the National Restaurant Association, said in a statement. “The key to our success is ensuring an unwavering focus on creating an exceptional experience for our members.”
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