News

National Restaurant Association seeking CEO as Sweeney announces departure

May 17, 2019

National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation President and CEO Dawn Sweeney said she will leave the post when her contract ends in late 2019. Sweeney joined the organization 12 years ago, and a news release said NRA membership has grown by almost 50% over that time. 

"Serving and leading the restaurant industry during this historic time frame, when food service has grown to an $863 billion business employing over 15 million professionals, has been the most fulfilling experience of my career," Sweeney said.

Until Sweeney leaves the organization, she will help the NRA board find her replacement and work to gain the governing body's approval of the NRA's 2020-2024 strategic plan.

Under her direction, the NRA has more than doubled its overall revenues and led the NRA's biggest-ever business transaction by creating an equity partnership with Winsight Media and the operational sale of the NRA's annual show that begins this weekend in Chicago, according to the release.

Board leadership selected executive search firm, Spencer Stuart, to assist with the CEO search.