The National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR) announced that its president, Jack Whipple, is retiring after 34 years of service to the industry. NCCR is a division of the National Retail Federation (NRF), the world’s largest retail trade association.
“NCCR is incredibly fortunate to have been the capstone of Jack Whipple’s extraordinary chain restaurant industry career,” says Pat Sheehy, director of government relations at Cracker Barrel and NCCR chairman. “Jack’s leadership, experience, professionalism, and tireless commitment to the chain restaurant community have been invaluable to NCCR. He is a class act who will be sorely missed, and we wish him the very best as he embarks upon his retirement.”
“We thank Jack for all of his years of service to NCCR and the industry,” says NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “On his watch, NCCR has become the preeminent trade group representing chain restaurants. While his shoes will be tough to fill, we plan to begin a search for a successor that will continue his work to broaden the scope and effectiveness of the organization.”
Under Whipple’s leadership, NCCR has been the lead advocate for the restaurant industry on many important issues, including menu labeling, health care, and immigration reform. Prior to joining NCCR in May 2006, Whipple spent 25 years with McDonald’s Corporation, holding several government relations positions including director of state government relations, assistant vice president, and vice president of government relations. His extensive credentials include directing both the McDonald’s Washington, D.C., Federal Government Relations office and a 50-state government relations program, as well as chairing McDonald’s Federal Political Action Committee.
“It has been a distinct pleasure to be able to serve the chain restaurant industry through NCCR,” Whipple says. “I want to thank the NCCR Board and membership for all of their support and assistance in expanding the footprint and influence of this incredible organization.”
Whipple will continue to serve as president through the end of the year and then continue to serve the organization as a consultant and advisor.
