National Restaurant Association Names Rob Gifford as Executive Vice President of Political Advocacy

Longtime President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association Joins the National Restaurant Association's Senior Leadership

WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association today named Rob Gifford as Executive Vice President of Political Advocacy. In this new role, Gifford will work to advance the Association's political impact and ability to organize and mobilize at the local, state and federal levels. 

"Rob's breadth of experience, both in the industry and within the state restaurant association community, make him the ideal choice to lead this important growth effort," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association.  "Rob's talents will take the Association's political advocacy and reach to another level – enabling industry advocates across the country to come together to fight for the best interests of the restaurant community."

"Having worked on behalf of the industry for more than twenty years, I am excited to serve in this new role with the National Restaurant Association," said Gifford. "With hundreds – and often times thousands – of restaurants in every congressional district across the country, there is an incredible opportunity to reach legislators and make our voices heard on critical issues."

Prior to joining the Association, Gifford served as President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association for more than 18 years. During his time at the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA), the MIRS (Michigan Information Research Service) Insider Survey named the MRA one of the top five association lobbying organizations in Michigan. Earlier in his career, Gifford worked in government relations at the National Restaurant Association.

Gifford will start in his new role with the National Restaurant Association on February 7th.

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of nearly 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America's restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.

SOURCE National Restaurant Association