The National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) have announced their leadership for 2025. Richard “Rich” Schneider, chief development officer of Areas USA, will chair the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors. William “Bill” Kohl from Greenwood Hospitality Group will lead the NRAEF Board of Trustees.
Mike Axiotis, CEO and president of Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands, will serve as Vice Chair, while Jeanne Cretella, co-founder and president of Landmark Hospitality, takes on the role of Treasurer for the Association’s board.
Michelle Korsmo, president & CEO of both organizations, highlighted the importance of the restaurant industry as a significant contributor to the U.S. economy. She stated that “the incoming leadership… bring extensive experience in successful industry growth and passion for community connections.”
The NRAEF’s new officers include Vice Chair Carrie Leishman from the Delaware Restaurant Association and Treasurer Susannah Ryan from PepsiCo Foodservice. Rob Gifford, president of NRAEF, emphasized the industry’s role in providing long-term career opportunities for over 15.5 million Americans.
Each officer will serve a one-year term. Newly elected board directors include representatives from Wingstop Restaurants Inc., Downtown Restaurant Investments, Connecticut Restaurant Association, Dat Jerk Caribbean Chargrill, Ramirez Hospitality Group, Valls Group Inc., Texas Restaurant Association, and Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association.
New trustees joining NRAEF include individuals from Nestle Professional Solutions, PG1 Capital, The Coca-Cola Company, and Colorado Restaurant Association.
