Executive Leadership Team
President & CEO
JAMES LEEWRIGHT
In June 2022, James was appointed President & CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation. Prior to joining the ORA, James Leewright was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2014 and in 2016 was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate representing District 12 Creek and parts of Tulsa counties.
For the ORA, James is responsible for meeting member needs and for driving profitability while managing organizational structure, and strategy. He leads the association’s public policy, advocacy, and regulatory efforts on behalf of the restaurant industry, and leads the association’s advocacy team which includes the contract lobbyist. He also coordinates with the association’s officers, and the board of directors, and communicates advocacy initiatives with the National Restaurant Association. James also serves as CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and represents the industry through his service to the Oklahoma Foodservice Advisory Council and the OSU Spears School of Business Hospitality Tourism Management program.
JAMES LEEWRIGHT
In June 2022, James was appointed President & CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation. Prior to joining the ORA, James Leewright was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2014 and in 2016 was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate representing District 12 Creek and parts of Tulsa counties.
For the ORA, James is responsible for meeting member needs and for driving profitability while managing organizational structure, and strategy. He leads the association’s public policy, advocacy, and regulatory efforts on behalf of the restaurant industry, and leads the association’s advocacy team which includes the contract lobbyist. He also coordinates with the association’s officers, and the board of directors, and communicates advocacy initiatives with the National Restaurant Association. James also serves as CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and represents the industry through his service to the Oklahoma Foodservice Advisory Council and the OSU Spears School of Business Hospitality Tourism Management program.
DEBRA BAILEY, CAE, IOM Deputy Director Chief Financial Officer Debra joined the ORA in 1985 and is a member of the association's Executive Leadership Team. Debra is the most tenured of the staff. She is responsible for the fiscal management of the association, directing staff activities, office operations, and communication with officers and directors. Debra is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and also serves as President of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and Chief Financial Officer of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association. |
PATTI COLLEY, CMP, IOM Chief Strategy Officer Patti joined the ORA as a staff member in 1995. Patti serves as a member of the association’s Executive Leadership Team, and is responsible for communicating the association’s mission, elevating its brand and insuring the activities of the association align with our strategic plan. Patti engages with the association’s hospitality members and elevates their brand through the ORA Strategic Partnership Marketing Program. This program creates brand awareness for businesses at events and through special initiatives and also helps to strengthen member programming. She also directs additional association strategies including meetings/events marketing, and communications. Since 2005, Patti has been a Certified Meeting Professional and in 2004 graduated from Institute for Organizational Management. She serves as the association’s representative on industry and community relations and is on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives. Patti also serves as President of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association. |
COLLIN GRAHAM Chief Member Services & Regulatory Officer Collin joined the ORA staff in 2000 and is a member of the association's Executive Leadership Team. Collin’s primary responsibilities include new member recruitment, retention, hospitality industry research, and helping members through the challenges of opening and operating a food service business. He is an important member of the association’s Advocacy team and is a members’ first resource when tackling issues with licensing and opening a restaurant business. Collin is a Certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor and also teaches ORA’s ABLE-certified (ACE) Alcohol Compliance Education classes. He directs activities surrounding the development and management of membership-preferred supplier and discount programs and serves on the Tulsa Foodservice Advisory Board. |
Association Team
Workforce, Training & Accounting
ROBERTA HELSLEY
Director, Workforce & Education Since 2021, Roberta has been the driving force behind our workforce development initiatives, bringing a visionary approach to bridging the gap between industry and education. As a leader, she orchestrates impactful initiatives that converge industry and education, exemplified by the transformative Oklahoma ProStart and HospitAbilities student programs. These programs empower aspiring individuals in hospitality, culinary arts, and restaurant management, fostering dynamic careers. Roberta serves on various Advisory Boards, including OSU IT, Metro Technology Center, Northwest Classen High School, and Francis Tuttle Technology Center-Service Careers. Her role on the Modernization of the National Career Clusters Framework Advisory Group reflects her commitment to shaping educational pathways. Roberta also curates member educational experiences, and considers speaker and facilitator selections, crafting an engaging learning environment. |
ELIZABETH
"BETY" SANCHEZ Director, Training & Accounting Since joining our team in 2016, Elizabeth has been a vital asset, overseeing accounts payables and receivables. Her responsibilities also extend to office operations. Beyond her financial responsibilities, Elizabeth coordinates crucial training opportunities such as the ORA’s (ACE) Alcohol Compliance and ServSafe certification programs, playing a pivotal role in fostering a skilled industry community. Elizabeth is a Certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor. |
SARAI MALDONADO
Manager, Member Care Since joining our team in 2019, Sarai plays a pivotal role as your initial point of contact, whether you're reaching out by phone or updating your membership information. She takes the helm in member fulfillment, managing member records, data, and dues. Sarai's expertise extends to overseeing ServSafe Food Safety enrollment and class proctoring. As a Certified ServSafe Proctor, she ensures the highest standards of food safety education. |
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Events, Marketing & Communications
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SURGE ALI Manager, Marketing & Technology In 2023, Surge became an integral part of the ORA team, with a distinct focus on elevating the AMS (Association Management System) initiatives. As an AMS administrator, Surge not only ensures the smooth functioning of this essential system but also spearheads its development and management. His contributions extend to various dimensions of ORA's marketing strategies, encompassing digital and print domains. His scope of responsibilities also includes curating content for the Oklahoma Restaurateur magazine, crafting web content, photography, and shaping graphic design for the association. |
A new addition to our team in August 2024, Andrea assumes the responsibility of building and nurturing relationships with ORA Expo exhibitors and potential exhibitors. Her member service experience shines through exhibit sales and the seamless coordination of onsite logistics, ensuring the success of this cornerstone event. Andrea's versatility will extend to steering a multitude of association meetings and events, crafting memorable experiences for our members.
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JORIE GORMAN Manager, Communications & Member Engagement Jorie Gorman recently assumed the mantle of Manager of Communications & Member Engagement, becoming a pivotal link in ORA strategic communication endeavors. At the helm of Ala Carte e-News, Jorie masterfully aligns our communications with member priorities and needs. She also curates a significant portion of our social media presence and graphic design. Additionally, Jorie is an integral to our meetings and events team, and stands as your point of contact for event registration helping to ensure engagement. |
JULIA
JERNIGAN SMITH
Contract Lobbyist
Julia is a vital member of our Advocacy team, dedicated to championing the interests of our industry. Collaborating closely with the President & CEO, she ensures that industry issues are effectively conveyed to state authorities, including the state capitol and relevant agencies. Julia's expertise in public relations, communications, and strategic implementation plays a pivotal role in driving our advocacy efforts forward. Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more.
Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more.
JERNIGAN SMITH
Contract Lobbyist
Julia is a vital member of our Advocacy team, dedicated to championing the interests of our industry. Collaborating closely with the President & CEO, she ensures that industry issues are effectively conveyed to state authorities, including the state capitol and relevant agencies. Julia's expertise in public relations, communications, and strategic implementation plays a pivotal role in driving our advocacy efforts forward. Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more.
Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more.
