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Meet Our Boards of Directors

The best of the best in our industry

The Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA) and Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) are led by an extraordinary group of industry professionals who represent every type of restaurant our state has to offer — from single-unit independents to fast-food franchises — and the diverse communities they serve.

Colorado Restaurant Association Board of Directors

The CRA Board of Directors is made up of individuals who not only successfully run their own businesses, but have volunteered countless hours of effective leadership to the CRA and its chapters, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) and its programming, and the industry as a whole. Our directors represent the very best of the hospitality industry in Colorado, and we thank them for their dedication.

Interested in being considered for a leadership role? Reach out to Sonia Riggs, President & CEO, today!

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2024-2025 CRA Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • Chair: Aileen Reilly, Beast + Bottle Group
  • Immediate Past Chair: Marc Steron, Shanahan’s Steakhouse
  • Vice Chair Government Affairs/Chair Elect: Jason Gumer, Monarch Casino Resort Spa
  • Vice Chair, Communication: Jason Ganahl, G-Que Barbeque and Ice Cream Farm
  • Vice Chair, Convention & Events: Stephanie Turner, SSA Group
  • Vice Chair, Membership: David Patterson, The Broadmoor
  • Vice Chair, At Large: Philippe Failyau, Gastamo Group
  • Vice Chair, At Large: Peter Hoglund, Frasca Hospitality Group
  • Vice Chair, Colorado Restaurant Foundation: Melissa Brooks, Breckenridge Wynkoop
  • Controller: Andy Quarm, Republic National Distributing Company
  • Treasurer: Cathy Cooney, Cooney Consulting & Recruiting
  • Secretary: Laura McGinley, Dine Technology
  • CRA President & CEO: Sonia Riggs

Elected Directors

  • Cynthia Ayala, Nachos Restaurant
  • Mark Brinkerhoff, Brinkerhoff Hospitality
  • Todd Clark, Matsuhisa Colorado
  • Adam Deutschmann, Bargreen Ellingson
  • Josh Dinar, Working Title Food Group
  • Ken Freeman, Sprung Restaurants
  • Beth Ginsberg, Trompeau Bakery and Cafe
  • Kate Kaufman, Hammer and Plate
  • Chris Lanter, Cache Cache and Home Team BBQ
  • Chad League, US Foods
  • Jason Lessnau, SOMIP Inc. DBA McDonalds
  • Kristie Mansur, Ted’s Montana Grill
  • Matt Morgan, Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard
  • James Park, TAG Restaurant Group
  • Dana Rodriguez, Work & Class, Carne, Casa Bonita
  • Rich Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
  • Mark Stanley, Phantom Partners Corp. (Culver’s of Colorado Springs)
  • Paul Sullivan, Esters Neighborhood Pub
  • Alice Tomlin, Wendy’s of Colorado Springs
  • Ryan Zink, Good Times Restaurants, Inc.

Colorado Restaurant Foundation Board of Directors

Educating Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders Today

Established in 1987, the Colorado Restaurant Foundation (CRF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors made up of restaurants, industry experts, and K-12 and post-secondary hospitality educators. As the philanthropic foundation of the CRA, the CRF’s mission is to help individuals in our industry advance and thrive.

2024-2025 Executive Committee

  • Chair: Aileen Reilly, Beast + Bottle Group
  • Vice Chair:  Melissa Brooks, Breckenridge Wynkoop
  • Vice President, Fundraising: Emily Biederman, Secret Sauce F & B
  • Vice President, Education: Amy Rapisarda, Gourmet Foods International
  • Vice President, Health & Wellness: Mallory Cullen, US Foods
  • Vice President, At Large: April Lambatos, Footers Catering, MIBE, Social Capitol Events
  • Controller: Luis Ramirez, Ramirez Hospitality Group
  • Secretary: Ashley Hoffman, Gastamo Group
  • Treasurer: Josh Niernberg, Bin 707 and Tacoparty
  • Executive Director: Sonia Riggs, CRA President & CEO
  • President: Laura Shunk, CRF President

2024-2025 Elected Directors

  • Justin Adrian, Vibe Concepts
  • Paul Anders, Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard
  • Kirk Bachmann, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
  • Truett ‘Blaine’ Bailey, In the Weeds
  • Kevin Burke, Osteria Alberico
  • Matthew Coates, Meta Burger Inc.
  • Tajahi Cooke, Ms. Betty’s Cooking
  • Shelly Cox, Riff Raff Brewing Company
  • Wayne Hilston, Employers Insurance Group
  • Jessey LaShier, Italco Food Products
  • Annelise McAuliffe Soares, Ready Foods
  • Mawa McQueen, Mawa’s Kitchen/McQueen Hospitality LLC
  • Aniedra Nichols, Table 6
  • Dr. Eric Olson, School of Hospitality, Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • Theo Otte, 626 on Rood
  • Lundi Ramos, Khesed Wellness
  • Christina Runyan, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
  • Rich Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
  • Julie Stone, Work Options
  • Chris Weil, FOODMatch, Inc.
“

"Being an active member of the CRA Board of Directors, which is effectively spearheading the evolution of the Colorado restaurant industry, allows me to connect with community peers and represent our industry’s interests with state and city government leaders."

Beth GruitchCRA Board of Directors Chair and co-owner of Crafted Concepts (Rioja, Ultreia, Stoic & Genuine, Bistro Vendôme)
“

"Since joining the CRA Board, I have gained knowledge, strengthened my business, and been able to dive deeper into legislative issues important to Colorado restaurants. Plus, the network I’ve created through my CRA membership is unmatched."

Daniel RamirezCRA Board of Directors Chair Elect and co-CEO of Los Dos Potrillos
“

"The CRA and the CRF are integral components to the success of our restaurant and hospitality industry. I’ve been involved with the organization since 2005 and on the Board for 15 years. Throughout this time, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact these organizations have made in our community; from the Angel Relief Fund program to workforce development, each provides assistance to those facing adversity, as well as education for those wanting a future in food service."

David CoderCRF VP Education Committee and Director of Business Resources and Marketing at Sysco Foods

Thanks to the CRA and CRF Preferred Providers

Thanks to the CRA and CRF Corporate Sponsors

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