The National Restaurant Association and its Educational Foundation have announced their board officers, directors, and trustees for 2026. Mike Axiotis, CEO and president of Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands, will chair the Association’s Board of Directors. Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association, will serve as chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Jeanne Cretella, co-founder and president of by Landmark, has been named vice chair. Theodore “Teddy” Balestreri, executive vice president at Cannery Row Company, will serve as treasurer for the Association board. The Foundation's leadership includes Susannah Ryan from PepsiCo Foodservice as vice chair and Greg Cocchiarella from Ecolab Inc. as treasurer.
Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of both organizations, stated: “As a cornerstone of American communities, the restaurant industry is a stabilizing force in our economy, with its resilience and strength standing as a benchmark for the nation's overall business landscape. Mike Axiotis and Carrie Leishman bring deep experience and unrivaled dedication to our industry and the people we serve. Their leadership will guide the Association and Foundation boards to advance and promote the restaurant industry as an economic leader and as a space that brings people together.”
Each officer will serve a one-year term.
The newly elected directors for the National Restaurant Association include Billy Downs (Ford's Garage), Ellis Winstanley (El Arroyo), Erin Vranas (Parthenon Gyros), Harsh Ghai (Ghai Management Services), Hugues Labrecque (Golden State Foods), Jennifer Ray (The Monarch), Joshua Secrest (Paradox), Kajal Patel (The Hena Group), Kelly Lefferts (Bloomin' Brands), Kevin King (Donatos Pizzeria), Mark Heilig (Lazy Dog Restaurants), Reade Tidwell (Chick-fil-A), Richard Frank (Lawry's Restaurants), Ronald DiNella (Ascent Hospitality), Sharlene Smith (Zaxby's) and Susan Nelson (Dine Brands).
For the Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, new members are Angela Melton-Fray (Dat Jerk Caribbean Chargrill), Carlos Bernal (Areas USA), Emily Williams Knight from Texas Restaurant Association, Jason Wallace from Hospitality Concepts LLC, John Horne from Oysters Rock Hospitality, Melvin Rodrigue from Galatoire’s Restaurants, Sara Quinteros from Cowbell Seafood & Oyster, and Scott Redler from Redler Hospitality LLC.
Mike Axiotis has worked in hospitality for nearly four decades. He started in his family’s restaurant before advancing at Lehigh Valley Restaurant Brands to become CEO in 2018. Jeanne Cretella oversees businesses across New Jersey and Pennsylvania focused on dining experiences; she is active in educational initiatives through her roles with local colleges and associations.
Teddy Balestreri manages hospitality operations including restaurants such as The Sardine Factory at Cannery Row Company; he has also chaired state-level restaurant associations. Carrie Leishman is recognized for her advocacy work in Delaware where she led substance abuse prevention training acknowledged by the White House.
Susannah Ryan directs national restaurant sales strategy at PepsiCo Foodservice while participating in industry forums supporting women leaders. Greg Cocchiarella has spent over three decades building partnerships at Ecolab Inc., serving with organizations like MFHA and AHLA to support workforce development.
