|
|
|
|
2026 TulsaFest Sessions & Speakers
|
2:30 PM Education Session I - State of the Restaurant Industry
Ballroom - 30th Floor Chad Moutray PH.D., CBE, National Restaurant Association |
Chad Moutray is senior vice president for research & knowledge and chief economist at the National Restaurant Association, where he leads economic analysis, data-driven insights, and thought leadership for business leaders in the restaurant and foodservice industry. A recognized expert on economic trends, he frequently shares his perspectives through professional presentations, media interviews, and industry reports.
Before joining the National Restaurant Association, Dr. Moutray served as chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers (2011–2024) and as director of the Center for Manufacturing Research at the Manufacturing Institute (2016–2024). His earlier roles include chief economist and director of economic research for the Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration (2002–2010) and dean of the School of Business Administration at Robert Morris College in Chicago (now part of Roosevelt University). His career spans academia, government, and trade associations, each role building upon the last.
Dr. Moutray is an adjunct professor at George Washington University, where he teaches econometrics in the M.S. in the applied economics program. He has held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including serving as chair of the Conference of Business Economists and as a board member of the National Association for Business Economics. He is also a past president and chairman of the National Economists Club, the Washington, D.C. chapter of NABE. In 2026, he will begin serving on the board of trustees of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Arlington, VA.
He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Eastern Illinois University. A Certified Business Economist™ since its inaugural class in 2015, he has been recognized for his professional achievements with the Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award from EIU (2014) and the Alumnus Achievement Award from Lake Land College (2015). He continues to contribute to the field as a member of the external economics advisory board for SIUC’s School of Analytics, Finance, and Economics.
Before joining the National Restaurant Association, Dr. Moutray served as chief economist at the National Association of Manufacturers (2011–2024) and as director of the Center for Manufacturing Research at the Manufacturing Institute (2016–2024). His earlier roles include chief economist and director of economic research for the Office of Advocacy at the U.S. Small Business Administration (2002–2010) and dean of the School of Business Administration at Robert Morris College in Chicago (now part of Roosevelt University). His career spans academia, government, and trade associations, each role building upon the last.
Dr. Moutray is an adjunct professor at George Washington University, where he teaches econometrics in the M.S. in the applied economics program. He has held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including serving as chair of the Conference of Business Economists and as a board member of the National Association for Business Economics. He is also a past president and chairman of the National Economists Club, the Washington, D.C. chapter of NABE. In 2026, he will begin serving on the board of trustees of the John Leland Center for Theological Studies in Arlington, VA.
He holds a Ph.D. in economics from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Eastern Illinois University. A Certified Business Economist™ since its inaugural class in 2015, he has been recognized for his professional achievements with the Outstanding Graduate Alumni Award from EIU (2014) and the Alumnus Achievement Award from Lake Land College (2015). He continues to contribute to the field as a member of the external economics advisory board for SIUC’s School of Analytics, Finance, and Economics.
3:45-4:45 PM - Session II - Industry Professionals Panel
Today’s restaurant operators and industry suppliers are navigating a landscape that’s changing fast—and getting tighter by the week. This panel brings together seasoned voices from across the industry to break down what’s really driving the pressure points right now: shrinking margins, supply chain disruptions, yield shortages, labor and immigration challenges, and the ripple effects of tariffs.
More importantly, you’ll leave with practical takeaways and perspective you can use immediately—what’s coming next, where the opportunities still exist, and how operators and suppliers can adapt together to protect profitability, strengthen partnerships, and stay ahead of the curve.
Moderator: James Leewright, President & CEO
Industry Panelists Include:
Today’s restaurant operators and industry suppliers are navigating a landscape that’s changing fast—and getting tighter by the week. This panel brings together seasoned voices from across the industry to break down what’s really driving the pressure points right now: shrinking margins, supply chain disruptions, yield shortages, labor and immigration challenges, and the ripple effects of tariffs.
More importantly, you’ll leave with practical takeaways and perspective you can use immediately—what’s coming next, where the opportunities still exist, and how operators and suppliers can adapt together to protect profitability, strengthen partnerships, and stay ahead of the curve.
Moderator: James Leewright, President & CEO
Industry Panelists Include:
Robert Founds
GoFresh |
William Lyle
Summit Club |
Daniel Stone
US Foods |
Arthur Greeno
Chick-fil-A |
Chad Moutray
National Restaurant Association |
