National Restaurant Association CEO Dawn Sweeney Announces Retirement

After 12 years, the National Restaurant Association will have a new leader: president and CEO Dawn Sweeney has announced her retirement from the organization, effective January 1, 2020.

The news comes as much of the restaurant industry is gathering in Chicago this weekend for the Association’s annual convention. A Restaurant Business article detailing Sweeney’s retirement noted that during Sweeney’s tenure, NRA membership doubled and state and national association alignment has improved significantly.

“Dawn has been an extraordinary leader for the restaurant and foodservice industry during a time of both challenge and opportunity,” NRA chairman Joe Essa said in a statement included in the article. “She has unified our industry, expanded our impact, heightened our effectiveness, and navigated a number of significant public policy changes. The organization is well-positioned to continue to fulfill its mission to advance and protect the industry and has a strong foundation on which her successor will build.”