Steve Brigandi, corporate counsel and director of government relations for Jack in the Box Inc., has been named chairman of the National Council of Chain Restaurants (NCCR), a national trade association representing over 40 of the nation’s largest multi-unit, multi-state chain restaurant companies.

As chairman, Brigandi will oversee legislation-related activities for the chain restaurant industry, lead the NCCR’s executive meetings, serve on the board of the National Retail Federation, and coordinate industry actions with the leaders of other restaurant industry trade associations.

Brigandi, who directs government relations and community affairs activities for Jack in the Box Inc., has been a member of NCCR for more than four years. He served as vice chair before being appointed chairman in November. Brigandi will hold the chairman position through October 2006.