James Leewright President & CEO Leads the association's public policy, advocacy and regulatory efforts on behalf of the restaurant industry, and works with the association lobbyist. Works to drive profitability, while managing organizational structure, and strategy. Coordinates with officers, the board of directors, and communicates advocacy initiatives with the National Restaurant Association, and also serves as CEO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. James represents the industry through his service to the Oklahoma Foodservice Advisory Council. | |
![]() | Debra Bailey, CAE Deputy Director/Chief Financial Officer Responsible for the fiscal management of the association, directing staff activities, office operations, and communication with officers, directors, and contract lobbyists as needed. Debra also serves as President of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association, and CFO of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association. |
![]() | Patti Colley, IOM, CMP Chief Strategy Officer Responsible for communicating the association‘s mission and elevating its brand. Directs efforts with regard to Strategic Partnership Marketing initiatives, as well as all meetings, events, and communications. Also serves as the association’s representative on industry and community relations. Patti also serves as President of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association. |
Collin Graham Chief Member Services & Regulatory Officer Primary responsibilities include new member recruitment, retention, hospitality industry research, and helping members through the challenges of opening and operating a foodservice business. ServSafe certified food safety instructor and teaches ABLE certified ACE alcohol compliance classes. Directs activities surrounding the development and management of membership preferred supplier and discount programs. | |
![]() | Karlie Hart Manager, Communications & Marketing Initiates and manages all industry communications including Oklahoma Restaurateur magazine, Restaurant Recovery E-news, Ala Carte and E-Advertisement. Also manages web content, marketing, advertising, and photography. |
![]() | Roberta Helsley Director, Workforce Development & Education Manages member educational experiences and speaker/facilitator considerations while also leading the association's workforce development initiatives. Responsible for initiatives that bring together industry and education through student programs including Oklahoma ProStart and HospitAbilities, each of which fosters careers in hospitality, culinary arts, and restaurant management. Roberta also represents the ORA through her work on Advisory Boards for OSU IT, Metro Technology Center, Northwest Classen High School, and Francis Tuttle Technology Center-Service Careers. |
![]() | Sarai Maldonado Manager, Member Care Oversees member fulfillment including member records data, and dues management. Also, manages ServSafe Food Safety enrollment. |
![]() | Lacey Pierson Manager, Expo, Meetings & Events Responsible for ORA Expo exhibitor relations, exhibit sales, and logistics, as well as management of other association meetings and events. Is also the primary contact for most major event registration. |
Audra Pixley Coordinator, Programs, Meetings & Events Responsible for support of meetings and events, as well as special programming including OK ProStart, HospitAbilities, and Sonic ServSafe. | |
![]() | Elizabeth Sanchez Director, Training & Accounting Responsible for accounts payables and receivables, as well as Alcohol Compliance and ServSafe certification and training programs. |
![]() | Julia Jernigan Smith Contract Lobbyist Works in coordination with the President & CEO to represent industry issues at the state capitol and state agencies. |