The Georgia Restaurant Association, Georgia’s only not-for-profit representing the state’s foodservice industry, has announced 8 new additions to the 2016 Board of Directors for the association. The Board of Directors, made up of industry leaders and restaurateurs, guide the GRA in matters pertaining to protecting industry operators and their interests. Members of the board will attend quarterly meetings and will actively participate in committees in the areas of education, marketing, government affairs, and more. Furthermore, they will partake in several GRA functions throughout the year including the Restaurant Kickoff Classic on April 25, the GRA Golf Tournament on June 14, the Chairman’s Reception on September 19, and the GRACE Awards gala on November 13.

Jay Bandy, President of Goliath Consulting Group, assists the GRA by providing supplies for members on strategic planning, operations, restaurant development and more.

Scott Bishop, President of TriMark Century Concepts, contributes educational content on the GRA website and offers restaurant design services among other things.

Ellen Hartman, President and CEO of Hartman Public Relations, has more than 30 years of experience in building strategic communications and specializes in restaurant and franchising public relations and crisis management.

Kevin Jones, founder of the Jones Restaurant Consulting Group, is also one of the GRA’s preferred ServSafe instructors and holds courses for those looking to get certified. He brings experience from working at the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness in the Environmental Health Services division.

As the owner of Jim N’ Nicks Bar-B-Q, Jeremy Chambers started out as a kitchen manager and worked his way up, giving him years of experience in the restaurant industry.

Daniel Barash leads the innovation of products across multiple channels including food service, CPG and licensing at Focus Brands, Inc. and worked his way up to Vice President of Culinary Innovation.

As the owner and operator of Table & Main and Osteria Mattone, Ryan Pernice has more than 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry and was also a 2015 GRACE Awards finalist in the Restaurateur of the Year—Small Independent category.

Finally, Matt Hansen, Chief Operating Officer at KBP Foods, is responsible for the operational and financial integration of KBP’s acquired markets and was a 2015 GRACE Awards finalist in the Restaurateur of the Year Franchisee category. “Each individual on the board brings great expertise and knowledge to our organization. We are thankful for their commitment both to the GRA and the industry and look forward to working with them to strengthen the restaurant industry in Georgia”, says Karen Bremer, CEO of the Georgia Restaurant Association.