IWF Washington, DC Member Dawn Sweeney, CEO and President of the National Restaurant Association was named Association Executive of the year by Association TRENDS. Sweeney was honored at the TRENDS 2017 Salute to Association Excellence today in Washington.
Sweeney emphasizes the strong opportunities for women leaders in the restaurant industry, “There are more women in restaurant management and ownership positions than virtually any other industry,” she said, pointing out that the industry provides “opportunities to women of all ages and at all stages of their careers, from owners to managers to college students to retirees.”
Sweeney has led the Association to several major legislative victories, including achieving federal legislation on menu-labeling, and has launched the first-of-its-kind children’s menu initiative – Kids LiveWell. Under her leadership, the Association’s annual tradeshow – the largest restaurant and hospitality industry tradeshow in the U.S. – has seen growth both in revenue and impact.
Before joining the National Restaurant Association, Sweeney was President and CEO of AARP Services, the wholly owned taxable subsidiary of AARP. She grew annual revenues from $175 million to $785 million during her tenure – serving 11 million AARP members annually.
Click here to read more at Association TRENDS.
