Restaurant association and foundation name vice presidents

The Delaware Restaurant Association announced the advancement of Karen Stauffer to vice president of the DRA, and Meghan Gardner to vice president of the Delaware Restaurant Foundation.

The promotions come at a pivotal time for the association and foundation, and their expanded vision and work to support the First State’s restaurant industry through advocacy, training and workforce development initiatives.

Recognizing restaurants as the cornerstone of Delaware communities, the association serves its members and the industry workforce with continual access to training, regulatory and policy information, and workforce development opportunities.

As the philanthropic arm of the DRA, the foundation’s mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. DRF programs work to attract, empower and advance the First State hospitality workforce.

“Both Karen and Meg are mission focused to serve the restaurant and hospitality industry with a passion and dedication for cultivating the resources and support necessary to help ensure a thriving restaurant community in Delaware,” said Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association & Foundation. “This promotion reflects their commitment to excellence and contributions to the ongoing success of the industry as we look to expand our team, their roles and the work of our organization.”

Leishman works to drive organizational direction, vision and strategy in order to champion transformational change and economic growth for restaurants and the 53,000 Delawareans who work in the state’s largest small business employer sector.

Stauffer has worked with the DRA for 12 years, most recently serving as senior director of communication and strategy. Gardner advances from her position as director of the Delaware Restaurant Foundation.