News

NRA philanthropy's EVP to take president's role

June 24, 2019

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, or NRAEF, promoted its executive vice president to president, effective July 1.  The NRA's philanthropic arms is focused on industry training, as well as improving career opportunities and community engagement, a news release

Rob Gifford (Photo provided)

said. 

"Rob's passion and dedication for cultivating the next generation of restaurant leaders is unparalleled," NRA President and CEO Dawn Sweeney, said in the release. "This promotion reflects Rob's commitment to excellence and his contributions to the ongoing success of the industry."

Gifford is credited with helping the foundation grow its high school culinary and restaurant management program by more than 50%, while also introducing new programs like Restaurant Ready and the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship program. 

Sweeney will remain CEO of the foundation, but last month announced she is stepping down as NRA leader at the end of this year.