The National Restaurant Association (NRA) has selected Lisa Ingram, president and COO of White Castle System Inc. to serve as convention chair for the 2016 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and the 2016 BAR (Beverage Alcohol for Restaurants) at the NRA Show. In this capacity, Ingram will lend her experience and perspective on the current industry landscape to ensure that the trade shows—together representing the most comprehensive event for restaurants, foodservice, and hospitality in the U.S. and abroad—represent the trends, topics, and business issues critical to restaurateurs in the next year.
The 2016 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will take place May 21–24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place and the 2016 BAR at the NRA Show will take place May 22–23 in the adjacent Lakeside Ballroom at McCormick Place.
“Every year we bring the entire restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality community together around the products, services and education that will help individual businesses thrive and will advance the entire industry,” says Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Lisa Ingram brings a unique perspective to the table as she oversees an iconic national chain brand that is also at its core a family business. Her experience will be an invaluable resource to our team in providing the leadership and insight around what is most timely and critical to the operator community.”
Lisa is the fourth Ingram family member to serve as president of the legendary company—the nation’s first fast-food chain. In her role as president, Ingram oversees all company operations including the restaurant division, retail food division, meat plants, and bakeries.
Ingram is active in the Columbus community and currently serves as treasurer on the United Way of Central Ohio board. She is also on the OhioHealth board, YPO Columbus board, and Columbus Chamber of Commerce board, and is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization and the Columbus Partnership (a private public collaboration focused on economic development, education, and civic leadership). In addition, Lisa is a recognized restaurant industry leader, serving on the board of the NRA.
Lisa received her BBA degree from Southern Methodist University and her MBA from Ohio State University where she was awarded the academic excellence in consulting award from her professors. In 2004, Lisa was named by Business First for its “40 under 40 award,” which honors young leaders for their accomplishments in business and the community. In 2014, Lisa received the Go Beyond Alumni Award from OSU Fisher College of Business and was in the Smart 50 inaugural class of 2015.
