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 executive committee of of the Oklahoma Society of Association Executives.
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ROBERTA HELSLEY Workforce & Education Roberta joined the team in 2021. She oversees workforce development initiatives such as Oklahoma ProStart student program. 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.
JILLIAN COURSEY Vice President, Manager, Accounting & Special Projects Jillian joined the association in 2012, and in her role serves as Vice President of the OTIA she helps in managing association initiatives including the Tourism Summits across Oklahoma, and Tourism Conference/RedBud Awards. She also assists the CEO, as well as various association financial and accounting efficiencies and duties including month end reporting, budgeting, audit prep, and revenue and expense reporting.
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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.
ROSANNA GARCIA Manager, Accounting Rosanna is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in job costing and financial management. With a strong focus on P&L reporting and credit card reconciliation, she ensures precise financial tracking and effective budget management. Her role extends to grant writing and ServSafe proctoring. Rosanna’s primary role centers on job costing, where she plays a vital part in setting and managing event budgets to maximize profitability and align with the association’s goals. She excels in QuickBooks and streamlining accounting processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
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Events, Marketing & Communications
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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In October 2024, Jorie Gorman was promoted to Director of Marketing & Technology, with a distinct focus on elevating the AMS (Association Management System) initiatives. As an AMS administrator, Jorie not only ensures the smooth functioning of this essential system but also spearheads its development and management. Her contributions extend to various dimensions of OTIA's marketing strategies, encompassing digital and print domains. Her scope of responsibilities also includes crafting web content, photography, and shaping graphic design for the association. |
KEELY SIEN Manager, Communications The OTIA will begin the year by welcoming two new team members including Keely Sien. Keely recently graduated from Oklahoma University with a degree in Marketing. Keely will be instrumental in our strategic communications, leveraging her previous internship experience with us. She leads SnapShot e-News, aligning our messaging with member needs, and curates our social media and graphic design. Additionally, Keely is a key contributor to our meetings and events, ensuring member engagement by managing event registration and ensuring active participation. We are thrilled to have her expertise and enthusiasm on board.
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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.
