Executive Leadership Team
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JAMES LEEWRIGHT
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James is responsible for meeting member needs and for driving profitability while managing organizational structure, and strategy. He leads the association's public policy, advocacy, and regulatory efforts on behalf of the restaurant industry, and works with the association’s advocacy team which includes the contract lobbyist. He also coordinates with the association’s officers, and the board of directors, and communicates advocacy initiatives with the National Restaurant Association. James also serves as President & CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association and also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association and represents the industry through his service to the Oklahoma Foodservice Advisory Council and the OSU Spears School of Business Hospitality Tourism Management program.
DEBRA BAILEY, CAE President Debra Bailey is a cornerstone of the OTIA since 1985 and a distinguished member of our Executive Leadership Team. With the most extensive tenure among our staff, Debra holds a vital role in the association. She is the first point of contact for tourism related initiatives and is lead on tourism events. Her responsibilities encompass fiscal management, directing operations, and overseeing office functions. Debra's credentials shine as she is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and an accomplished graduate of the Institute for Organizational Management. Beyond her commitment to the OTIA, Debra's leadership extends to the broader community. She serves as the President of the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association and holds the role of Chief Financial Officer for the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.
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PATTI COLLEY IOM, CMP Chief Strategy Officer Patti's journey with the OTIA began in 1995. As a valued member of our Executive Leadership Team, Patti takes charge of communicating our association's mission, enhancing its brand. Patti engages closely with our esteemed officer, directors, and hospitality supplier members. As President, Patti also directs additional association strategies, including meetings and events, and communications. Her credentials include the distinction of a Certified Meeting Professional since 2005 and graduating from the Institute for Organizational Management in 2004. Patti serves as the President of the Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Chief Strategy Officer of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. She is a Executive Council Member of the Oklahoma Women in Lodging, and is also an esteemed member of the board of directors of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives.
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ROBERTA HELSLEY Vice President, Workforce & Education Roberta joined the team in 2021, and in her role supports the President while managing association initiatives including the Tourism Summits across Oklahoma, as well as member educational experiences and speaker/facilitator considerations. She also oversees workforce development initiatives such as Oklahoma ProStart and HospitAbilities student programs. Roberta also supports the ORA, OHLA and OTIA member educational experiences, and considers speaker and facilitator selections.
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COLLIN GRAHAM Chief Member Services & Regulatory Officer Collin has played a pivotal role in the team since 2000, plays a pivotal role within the OTIA's Executive Leadership Team. He excels in a range of vital responsibilities that not only bolster new member recruitment and retention but provide essential industry insights. Collin offers unwavering support to members as they navigate the complexities of opening and managing food service businesses. As a Certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor, he ensures safety and excellence, while also teaching the association's ACE Alcohol Compliance Education classes. Collin's influence extends to the Advocacy team, where he stands as a resource for members addressing licensing and opening challenges. His stewardship of membership-preferred supplier and discount programs enriches member value. Additionally, Collin's participation in the Tulsa Foodservice Advisory Board showcases his local industry involvement.
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Association Team
Training & Accounting
ELIZABETH "BETY" SANCHEZ Director, Training & Accounting Since joining our team in 2016, Elizabeth has been a vital asset, overseeing accounts payables and receivables. Her responsibilities also extend to office operations. Beyond her financial responsibilities, Elizabeth coordinates crucial training opportunities such as the association's (ACE) Alcohol Compliance and ServSafe certification programs, playing a pivotal role in fostering a skilled industry community. Elizabeth is a Certified ServSafe Instructor/Proctor.
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SARAI MALDONADO Manager, Member Care & ServSafe Since joining our team in 2019, Sarai plays a pivotal role as your initial point of contact, whether you're reaching out by phone or updating your membership information. She takes the helm in member fulfillment, managing member records, data, and dues. Sarai's expertise extends to overseeing ServSafe Food Safety enrollment and class proctoring. As a Certified ServSafe Proctor, she ensures the highest standards of food safety education.
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JILLIAN COURSEY Accounting Assistant Jill assists the CFO, as well as the Director of Accounting with various association financial and accounting efficiencies.
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Events, Marketing & Communications
SURGE ALI Manager, Marketing & Technology In 2023, Surge became an integral part of the OTIA team, with a distinct focus on elevating the AMS (Association Management System) initiatives. As an AMS administrator, Surge not only ensures the smooth functioning of this essential system but also spearheads its development and management. His contributions extend to various dimensions of OTIA's marketing strategies, encompassing digital and print domains. His scope of responsibilities also includes crafting web content, photography, and shaping graphic design for the association.
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ANDREA DANCER Director, Events An addition to our team in August of 2024, Andrea's versatility will extend to helping plan the Oklahoma Conference on Tourism while crafting memorable experiences for our members.
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JORIE GORMAN Manager, Communications & Member Engagement In August of 2023, Jorie assumed the mantle of Manager of Communications & Engagement, becoming a pivotal link in OTIA's strategic communication endeavors. At the helm of SnapShot e-News, Jorie masterfully aligns our communications with member priorities and needs. She also curates a significant portion of our social media presence and graphic design. Additionally, Jorie is an integral to our meetings and events team, and stands as your point of contact for event registration helping to ensure engagement.
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JULIA JERNIGAN SMITH
Contract Lobbyist
Julia is a vital member of our Advocacy team, dedicated to championing the interests of our industry. Collaborating closely with the President & CEO, she ensures that industry issues are effectively conveyed to state authorities, including the state Capitol and relevant agencies. Julia's expertise in public relations, communications, and strategic implementation plays a pivotal role in driving our advocacy efforts forward.
Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more.
Visit Creative Capitol Strategies to learn more.
