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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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2025-2026 CRA Board of Directors

Executive Committee

  • Chair: Jason Gumer, Monarch Casino Resort Spa
  • Immediate Past Chair: Aileen Reilly, Coperta
  • Vice Chair Government Affairs/Chair Elect: Peter Hoglund, Frasca Food and Wine
  • Vice Chair, Communication: Philippe Failyau, Gastamo Group
  • Vice Chair, Convention & Events: Jason Ganahl, GQue Barbeque
  • Vice Chair, Membership: Stephanie Turner, SSA Group
  • Vice Chair, At Large: David Patterson, The Broadmoor
  • Vice Chair, At Large: Chris Lanter, Cache Cache
  • Vice Chair, At Large (Past Chair): Marc Steron, Shanahan’s Steakhouse
  • Vice Chair, Colorado Restaurant Foundation: Melissa Brooks, Breckenridge Wynkoop
  • Controller: Cathy Cooney, Cooney Consulting & Recruiting
  • Treasurer: Ryan Zink, Good Times Restaurants Inc.
  • Secretary: Laura McGinley, Dine Technology
  • CRA President & CEO: Sonia Riggs

Elected Directors

  • Cynthia Ayala, Nachos Restaurant
  • Mark Brinkerhoff, Brinkerhoff Hospitality
  • Todd Clark, Matsuhisa Colorado
  • Dean Copeland, CD Wings
  • Adam Deutschmann, Bargreen Ellingson
  • Josh Dinar, Working Title Food Group
  • Beth Ginsberg, Trompeau Bakery and Cafe
  • Kate Kaufman, Hammer and Plate
  • Jay Larsen, Shamrock Foods
  • 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
  • Lauren Roberts, Watercourse Foods
  • Rich Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
  • Mark Stanley, Phantom Partners Corp. (Culver’s of Colorado Springs)
  • Paul Sullivan, Esters Neighborhood Pub
  • Delores Tronco, The Greenwich
  • Chris Weil, FOODMatch

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.

2025-2026 Executive Committee

  • Chair: Jason Gumer, Monarch Casino Resort Spa
  • Vice Chair:  Melissa Brooks, Breckenridge Wynkoop
  • Vice Chair Elect: Josh Niernberg, Bin707 and Tacoparty
  • 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: Shelly Cox, Riff Raff Brewing Company
  • Controller: Josh Niernberg, Bin707 and Tacoparty
  • Secretary: April Lambatos, Footer’s Catering, MIBE, and Social Capitol Events
  • Treasurer: Justin Adrian, Vibe Concepts
  • Executive Director: Sonia Riggs, CRA President & CEO
  • President: Laura Shunk, CRF President

2025-2026 Elected Directors

  • Paul Anders, Sweet Basil and Mountain Standard
  • Kirk Bachmann, Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
  • Joanne Barnes, Sysco
  • Cliff Blauvelt, Odie B’s and Boombots Pasta Shop
  • Kevin Burke, Osteria Alberico
  • Tajahi Cooke, Ms. Betty’s Cooking
  • Paige Dungan, Bonanno Concepts
  • Jeremy Edmonds, Snooze, an AM Eatery
  • Wayne Hilston, Employers Insurance Group
  • Ashley Hoffman, Gastamo Group
  • Ruth Jones, Illegal Pete’s
  • Jessey LaShier, Italco Food Products
  • Annelise McAuliffe Soares, Ready Foods
  • Aniedra Nichols, Table 6
  • Dr. Eric Olson, School of Hospitality, Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • Theo Otte, 626 on Rood
  • Lundi Ramos, Kind Therapy, Inc.
  • Luiz Ramirez, Ramirez Hospitality Group
  • Jason Rogers, The Denver Country Club
  • Christina Runyan, Cherry Creek Innovation Campus
  • Abby Sands, Chook Charcoal Kitchen
  • Rich Schneider, Raquelitas Tortillas
  • Ben Shapiro, Magnolia Hotel, Downtown Denver
  • Chris Starkus, Creative Dining Services
  • 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 Partners for their support

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