Texas Restaurant Association and Foundation Welcome New Board Members

TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION AND TEXAS RESTAURANT FOUNDATION WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS

2026 will usher in visionary leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing restaurants today

AUSTIN, TX (November 12, 2025) - The Texas Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Foundation have appointed new members to their boards of directors. Together, these individuals represent every corner of the state's foodservice and hospitality community-from independent restaurateurs and national chains to suppliers, educators, and innovators shaping the industry's future.

This year's incoming class reflects the depth of experience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define Texas restaurants. As the TRA continues its mission to advance and protect the $138 billion industry, these board members will play a pivotal role in shaping advocacy priorities, expanding workforce development programs, and driving business solutions to strengthen foodservice operations across the state.

"The restaurant industry is the beating heart of Texas' economy and culture," said Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., President and CEO of the TRA and the TRF. "Our new board members are visionary leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities facing restaurants today. Their experience and commitment will help us build stronger businesses, champion smart public policy, and create a workforce pipeline that keeps Texas at the forefront of the nation's hospitality landscape."

New Association Board Members

• William Cortez, Owner/General Manager, La Familia Cortez Restaurants
• Nancy Garrison, Co-Founder, Garrison Brothers Distillery
• James Grandahl, Sr. Director, DIRECTV
• Samuel Hellman-Mass, Owner, Suerte and Este
• Amy Hom, COO, Barcelona Wine Bar
• Ryan Howard, Managing Director, Potluck Hospitality, LLC
• Blake Johnson, Senior Director of Marketing, CEC Entertainment
• James Kramer, SVP Beverage Operations, Fertitta Entertainment
• Sara Harding Lou, Chief Client Officer, Norton Creative
• Craig Martindale, President, Taco Casa
• Kyle McCarver, Branch Manager, Auto-Chlor Services
• Zack Oates, Founder & CEO, Ovation
• Gini Quiroz, Vice President of HR/Head of People, Smokey Mo's TX BBQ
• Brian Schneider, Managing Director, Higginbotham
• Aaron Selinkoff, Owner/Operator, Specht's Texas
• Michael Thoms, VP Operations West, Chipotle
• Mario Valdez, Managing Partner, Conroe Incredible Pizza Company
• Robert Valvano, Regional Manager, Texla Management LLC
• Jenni Woerndle, Educator, MISD - Legacy High School

• Mary Abrams, Business Development, Cleveland Menu
• Edgar Jaro, Business Development, Smart Care Solutions
• Claire Rodriguez, Executive Assistant, Pappas Restaurants
• Brian Weale, VP of Sales, PFG

• Chelsea Cace, Owner, Cace's Kitchen
• Nancy Garrison, Co-Founder, Garrison Brothers Distillery
• Amy Hom, COO, Barcelona Wine Bar
• Alli Jarrett, Executive Director, Texas Golf Hall of Fame
• Michael Thoms, VP Operations West, Chipotle

ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
Formed in 1937, the Texas Restaurant Association serves as the advocate and indispensable resource for the foodservice industry in Texas. As a leading business association, the TRA represents the state's $138 billion restaurant industry, which encompasses more than 57,000 locations and a workforce of over 1.4 million employees. Along with the Texas Restaurant Foundation, the workforce development arm of the TRA, the association proudly continues to protect, advance, and educate a growing industry as the TRA enters its 88th year. For more information, visit www.txrestaurant.org.

ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT FOUNDATION
Founded in 1995 as the charitable arm of the Texas Restaurant Association, the Texas Restaurant Foundation (TRF) is committed to feeding dreams and building futures in Texas' largest and most dynamic industry. TRF empowers the next generation of culinary and restaurant leaders through education, workforce development, and scholarships. Today, our programs reach more than 34,000 students in over 250 schools statewide through Texas ProStart, a premier culinary and restaurant management training program. TRF also advances workforce development through credentialing and upskilling programs that prepare students and adults for meaningful careers in hospitality. Initiatives such as Second Chances help justice-involved individuals reenter the workforce, while Pathways provides hands-on training, mentorship, and life skills for foster youth exploring careers in restaurants and hospitality. The foundation also administers the Texas Restaurant Relief Fund, which has provided millions in crisis support to the industry. Since its founding, TRF has awarded over $3 million in scholarships to aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals. Join us in shaping the future of hospitality in Texas at https://www.txrestaurant.org/foundation.