Executive Leadership Team
President & CEO
JAMES
LEEWRIGHT
James Leewright was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation in June 2022. He leads the association’s strategic direction, organizational performance, and statewide advocacy efforts, ensuring that the needs of members remain at the forefront. Before joining the ORA, James served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate. His combined background in public service, business ownership, and hospitality leadership allows him to effectively champion the industry’s needs at both the state and national levels while driving profitability, managing organizational structure, and the association’s strategy. James also serves as CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. He also represents the hospitality industry through service on the Oklahoma Foodservice Advisory Council, the Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Advisory Committee, and the OSU Spears School of Business Hospitality Tourism Management Advisory Board. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.
JAMES
LEEWRIGHT
James Leewright was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation in June 2022. He leads the association’s strategic direction, organizational performance, and statewide advocacy efforts, ensuring that the needs of members remain at the forefront. Before joining the ORA, James served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma State Senate. His combined background in public service, business ownership, and hospitality leadership allows him to effectively champion the industry’s needs at both the state and national levels while driving profitability, managing organizational structure, and the association’s strategy. James also serves as CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. He also represents the hospitality industry through service on the Oklahoma Foodservice Advisory Council, the Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Advisory Committee, and the OSU Spears School of Business Hospitality Tourism Management Advisory Board. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University.
DEBRA BAILEY, IOM
CERTIFIED ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE Chief Human Resources Officer Debra Bailey has been a cornerstone of the ORA since 1985 and is a highly respected member of the Executive Leadership Team. She oversees personnel development, organizational culture, and internal operations with unmatched historical insight and professionalism. Debra holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential and is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management. Her leadership strengthens the association and its connection to the broader hospitality community. |
PATTI COLLEY, IOM CERTIFIED MEETING PROFESSIONAL Chief Strategy Officer Patti joined the Oklahoma Restaurant Association in 1995 and is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. As Chief Strategy Officer, she leads strategic planning, communications, meetings and events, and brand development for the association. She directs the Strategic Partnership Marketing Program, strengthening supplier engagement and enhancing member value across ORA initiatives. Patti ensures that programs, events, and messaging align with the association’s mission and support the needs of Oklahoma’s restaurant community. She holds the Certified Meeting Professional designation and is a graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management. Patti also serves as President of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, Vice Chair of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives, and is a member of the Oklahoma Tourism Promotion Advisory Committee. |
COLLIN GRAHAM, CERTIFIED SERVSAFE & ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE INSTRUCTOR Chief Member Services & Regulatory Officer A member of the ORA since 2000, Collin plays a central role on the Executive Leadership Team, leading member recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts. He provides expert guidance on operational challenges, licensing issues, and navigating regulatory processes. Collin is a Certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor and teaches the ORA’s ACE Alcohol Compliance Education classes. He oversees preferred supplier and discount programs and serves on the Tulsa Foodservice Advisory Board. Collin holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Oklahoma State University. |
JILLIAN COURSEY Chief Accounting Officer Since 2013, Jillian has been a vital part of our accounting team and Executive Leadership Team. Jillian serves as the primary lead on accounting matters and helps ensure our financial operations remain organized, accurate, and aligned with the needs of the Association. She supports financial reporting, budgeting, and audit preparation, helping ensure the association’s fiscal accuracy and operational strength. Jill’s institutional knowledge, attention to detail and experience in nonprofit financial management make her a reliable resource for the teams, supporting the financial side of programs, events, and daily operations. |
Association Team
ELIZABETH "BETY" SANCHEZ Director, Training & Accounting Elizabeth has been part of the ORA team since 2016 and is essential in supporting both training programs and financial operations. She manages accounts payable, accounts receivable, and office functions while coordinating ServSafe and ACE Alcohol Compliance Education programs. She is a Certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor. |
Rosanna oversees financial management, job costing, P&L reporting, credit card reconciliation, and event budgeting. She also supports grant writing and ServSafe proctoring. Her strong QuickBooks expertise and process-improvement focus enhance operational accuracy across the association.
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ANDREA DANCER Director, Events Andrea joined the ORA in August 2024 and leads exhibitor relations, exhibit sales, and onsite logistics for the ORA Hospitality Expo. She also plays a significant role in planning and executing association meetings and events, delivering smooth operations and memorable experiences for members.
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Sarai has been a valuable member of the ORA since 2019 and is often the first point of contact for members. She manages member records, fulfillment, and dues processes while coordinating ServSafe enrollment and proctoring. She is a Certified ServSafe Proctor and supports members statewide
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KEELY SIEN Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications Keely joined the ORA in December 2024 after earning her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Oklahoma. She leads strategic communications and marketing initiatives, overseeing the ORA website, A la Carte e-News, text alerts, social media, and graphic design. Keely also manages event registration and helps drive member engagement across all platforms. |
DAWN NORTON PCM Manager, Marketing & Communication Dawn joined our team in October 2025 and is an essential part of shaping how our association is seen and heard. She plays a key role in designing and communicating our brand image, ensuring that our messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with the needs of our members and is one of a team responsible for curating visual content across many channels. She also supports event registration and plays an active part in driving member engagement at meetings and events.
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Kathy joined the ORA in October 2025 and leads the association’s workforce and education initiatives. With a background in education and media, she strengthens the pipeline between schools and the hospitality industry, oversees the Oklahoma ProStart program, and curates member education opportunities, including speaker and facilitator selection.
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JULIA JERNIGAN SMITH Contract Lobbyist Julia works closely with the President & CEO to communicate industry needs to policymakers. With expertise in public relations, communications, and policy strategy, she is an essential partner in the ORA’s advocacy efforts. Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more. Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more. |
