Restaurant Association of Maryland Elects New Directors

​After a statewide search for candidates, the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) completed the annual nomination process for its Board of Directors.  The following list of new Officers and Directors were voted in at the Annual RAM Membership Meeting held at Sysco Baltimore on June 14th.

​Officers hold their post for one year while Directors have a three year term.
Officers:

• Chairman of the Board: Joe Barbera, owner of AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar in Columbia, MD
• Vice Chair: Kathie Sewell, Regional VP of Golden Corral
• Treasurer: Brian Boston, owner of the Milton Inn in Sparks, MD
• Secretary: Rachael Mull, CFO for Victoria Gastro Pub and Manor Hill Brewing Company, both in Howard County, MD

 
New Directors:

• Bob Garner, Glory Days Grill
• Geoff Trout, IHOP
• Kea Crowder, Applebee’s
• Courtney Watson, HUB International Mid-Atlantic / Rossmann-Hurt-Hoffman

 
“Board members are nominated by peers in the industry.  Once nominated, a committee reviews the pool of candidates looking for individuals with commitment and leadership skills.  We draw upon candidates from different restaurant segments in a variety of areas throughout the State,” said Past RAM Chairman, Dan Stevens from Houlihan’s.
 
RAM’s President and CEO Marshall Weston commented, “Each year our Board plays an important part in helping all Maryland restaurants succeed and focusing on initiatives that will benefit the industry.  The restaurant and foodservice industry is in good hands with incoming Chair Joe Barbera and I look forward to working with him and our Board members.”
 
The Restaurant Association of Maryland is the most trusted source for restaurant advocacy, regulatory compliance information, foodservice employee training and restaurant focused vendors.  For over 75 years the Association has been run by restaurateurs working for the benefit of its members and the restaurant industry as a whole. 
 
RAM promotes its member restaurants through programs such as the Dine out, Maryland! gift certificate program, an online dining guide and other Dine Out, Maryland! initiatives.  The RAM Government Affairs department protects members by helping them comply with government regulations while also lobbying against legislation that would have a negative impact on the industry.  A host of endorsed service programs, a self-owned workers compensation insurance fund and an Education Foundation are geared to help restaurants improve their business operations and provide the necessary certifications and training that foodservice employees need.