Scott Dolch Named 2026 Chair of Council of State Restaurant Associations
Scott Dolch, President & CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, named 2026 Chair of the Council of State Restaurant Associations
Washington, DC (January 12, 2026) – The Council of State Restaurant Associations is pleased to announce that Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, was tapped to serve as 2026 Chair of the CSRA. Dolch has led the Connecticut Restaurant Association for more than seven years, representing the state's $15.6 billion restaurant industry, which encompasses more than 9,000 locations and 151,000 jobs.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as Board Chair of the Council of State Restaurant Associations in 2026,” said Dolch. “Representing all 52 state restaurant associations is both a responsibility and a privilege, and I look forward to collaborating with leaders nationwide to ensure our industry’s priorities are clearly heard and effectively represented at every level.”
The Council of State Restaurant Associations fosters collaboration and coordination among its 52 state restaurant association members and works in partnership with the National Restaurant Association to support more than 700,000 restaurant businesses across the United States.
The CSRA also welcomes the 2026 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, bringing together one voice of national industry leaders with deep experience in the hospitality and foodservice sector.
Executive Committee:
• Scott Dolch, Chair, President & CEO, Connecticut Restaurant Association
• Kristine Hillmer, Vice Chair, President & CEO, Wisconsin Restaurant Association
• Stephen Clark, Secretary/Treasurer, President & CEO, Massachusetts Restaurant Association
• John Barker, Immediate Past Chair, President & CEO, Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance
Board of Directors:
• Anthony Anton, Director, Washington Hospitality Association
• Jessica Dunker, Director, Iowa Restaurant Association
• Melissa Fleischut, Director, New York State Restaurant Association
• Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., Director, Texas Restaurant Association
• Michelle Korsmo, Director, National Restaurant Association
• Gadiel Lebrón, Director, Puerto Rico Restaurant Association
• Joe Massaro, Director, Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association
• Sonia Riggs, Director, Colorado Restaurant Association
• Sara Beth Urban, Director, Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association
• Angie Whitcomb, Director, Hospitality Minnesota
In 2026, the must-attend CSRA signature event will be the Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 16–20, 2026, at the W Nashville in Nashville. Starting this year, CSRA has combined the former Fall Government Affairs Conference and Summer Membership, Marketing & Foundation Conference into one unified event designed to empower collaboration, innovation, and industry advocacy. councilofsras.org
About the CSRA
The Council of State Restaurant Associations fosters collaboration, connection and coordination among its 52 state restaurant association members and works in partnership with the National Restaurant Association to support more than 700,000 restaurant businesses across the United States. Learn more at councilofsras.org. Follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the CRA
The Connecticut Restaurant Association is a full service, not-for-profit trade association dedicated to supporting every type and size of restaurant. We are advocates for the Connecticut hospitality industry, a hub for information and a platform for networking. We commit ourselves to offering cost effective benefits and resources you need to run a profitable business. The industry plays an integral role in Connecticut’s economy employing more than 150,000 foodservice workers and generating more than $15 billion in annual sales. Along with the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF), the Association protects, advances, and educates the growing industry. Learn more at www.ctrestaurant.org.