The National Restaurant Association (NRA) announced the election of its new officers during the association’s September board meeting in Washington, D.C. Michael Gibbons, president and CEO of Mainstreet Ventures Inc., was elected chairman of the board of directors; Sally Smith, president and chief executive officer of Buffalo Wild Wings Inc., was elected vice chair; and Rosalyn “Roz” Mallet, president and CEO of PhaseNext Hospitality, was elected treasurer. Each will serve until January 2011.

Gibbons is the president and CEO of Mainstreet Ventures Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan, a regional restaurant chain that began as a single restaurant venture. The portfolio features several diverse restaurant concepts operating in Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Maryland, and Florida, including Real Seafood Co., Ristorante Gratzi, Blue Pointe Seafood, Palio Ristorante, La Dolce Vita, Tidewater Grill, Ciao, Chop House, Zia’s, Carson’s American Bistro, and Carson’s Steakhouse.

“We are excited to continue to grow membership and strengthen the National Restaurant Association’s services under Mike’s leadership,” says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the NRA. “He will be instrumental in advancing the association’s new strategic plan and promoting an expanded portfolio of member benefits that will strengthen the restaurant and foodservice industry as a whole. Mike’s passion for the industry and vast experience will be extremely valuable to supporting our mission.”

Smith is president and CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has served in that capacity for more than 13 years. Buffalo Wild Wings includes more than 610 restaurants in 41 states. Smith formerly held the position of chief financial officer with the company.

“We are pleased that Sally will continue to play an important role in the National Restaurant Association’s leadership, bringing her unique experience and extraordinary talent to our member services and priority issues,” Sweeney says. “As we continue our work to advance the restaurant and foodservice industry on Capitol Hill and in the public eye, Sally will play a critical role in our efforts.”

Mallet is changing her career track to move to the entrepreneurial side of business as president and CEO of PhaseNext Hospitality, a franchise-operating company.

“We welcome Roz to her new leadership role and are confident in her abilities to help advance the National Restaurant Association and guide the restaurant industry into the future,” Sweeney says. “A great addition to an already strong leadership team, Roz’s expertise and innovative thinking is sure to spur new ideas on how to serve our members.”