Oklahoma Restaurant Association names state senator as next CEO | The Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Republican state senator from Bristow who plans to depart the Legislature on the finish of the present session has been named the brand new president and chief govt officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Affiliation.

The election of Sen. James Leewright by ORA board members was formally introduced on Thursday.

The ORA is the chief commerce affiliation of eating places and food-service companies in Oklahoma. It actively displays laws and business regulation and works on behalf of greater than 4,500 members.

ORA 2022 Chair Thomas Hunter mentioned Leewright, a former small enterprise proprietor, is keenly conscious of challenges confronted by small companies and is well-suited to assist member companies develop and succeed.

“We all know he’s dedicated to advocating for no undue burdens on Oklahoma’s restaurant and hospitality companies who present jobs, financial development, and a broader tax base,” Hunter mentioned. “He’s accustomed to main and responding to the wants of constituents, and serving ORA membership might be related in nature.”

Craig Bothwell, who chaired a search committee assigned to determine the ORA’s new CEO, described Leewright’s background as best.

“His in depth and related enterprise expertise mixed along with his tenure within the Legislature made him the perfect candidate,” Bothwell mentioned.

After working for a Fortune 500 firm in oil and pure fuel commodity buying and selling, Leewright owned Dynamic Restoration, a enterprise he bought after 17 years. A previous president of the Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, he was named Creek County Entrepreneur of the Yr in 2007 and was named amongst “High 40 Below 40 Professionals” within the state by Oklahoma Journal. He presently serves as a governor on the Board of Governors for the Oklahoma State College Basis.

Leewright was elected to the Oklahoma Home in 2014, and in 2016 he was elected to the Senate representing District 17.

The lawmaker mentioned the ORA has been a robust advocate for its members.

“I’m excited to construct on these strengths to even higher serve the women and men of the hospitality business,” he mentioned. “With the present hurdles going through the business, weakened provide chains, rising meals prices, and workforce shortfalls, I sit up for rolling up my sleeves and dealing for and with ORA members to deal with these points and extra.”

Leewright and his spouse, Cari, have 4 kids. They’ve a small ranch close to Kellyville.