The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced that Lynette McKee has been selected as executive director, effective July 5, 2011.

In this vital role, she will lead the foundation in achieving its mission to enhance the restaurant industry’s service to the public through education, community engagement, and the promotion of career opportunities. 

“Lynette’s two decades of experience and her outstanding reputation in the restaurant industry will be of great benefit as she leads our Educational Foundation in expanding our reach and impact,” says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the National Restaurant Association and the NRAEF.

“Lynette is joining our Educational Foundation at an exciting time as we seek to strengthen our ProStart program’s efforts to educate high school students in culinary and restaurant management skills, and in growing our supporting scholarship programs for higher education in foodservice,” Sweeney says.

Prior to joining the NRAEF, McKee spent more than 20 years in leadership positions at a variety of foodservice companies, including Checkers Restaurants, Dunkin’ Brands, Burger King Corporation, and Metromedia Restaurant Group. McKee received her bachelor’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. “Lynette’s qualifications are extraordinary and her commitment to the future of our industry is inspirational,” says Carlton Curtis, NRAEF board chair. “All of us are tremendously excited about her taking on this great leadership role for our industry.”