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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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 President Jillian, with 12 years of experience in association management, is a cornerstone of the OTIA and a distinguished member of our Executive Leadership Team. Jillian plays a vital role in the association as the first point of contact for OTIA members and tourism-related initiatives and leads all tourism-related events. Her responsibilities also encompass fiscal management of the association.
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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 Comptroller 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 and Red Bud Awards Dinner while crafting memorable experiences for our members.
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KEELY SIEN Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications Keely joined our team in December 2024 as Sr. Marketing & Communications Manager after earning her Marketing degree from the University of Oklahoma. In her senior role, she plays a pivotal part in leading and advancing our strategic marketing and communications initiatives. Keely leads our communications, graphic design and marketing efforts. She also contributes significantly to our meetings and events by overseeing event registration and fostering active member engagement.
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DAWN NORTON Manager, Marketing & Communications Dawn joined our team in October 2025 and is an essential part of shaping how our association is seen and heard. She plays a key role in designing and communicating our brand image, ensuring that our messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with the needs of our members and is one of a team responsible for curating visual content across many channels. She also supports event registration and plays an active part in driving member engagement at meetings and events.
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KATHY HOLSONBAKE Director, Workforce & Education Joining the team in October 2025, Kathy has a background in education and media and is the driving force behind our workforce development initiatives, bringing a visionary approach to bridging the gap between industry and education. As a leader, she orchestrates impactful initiatives that converge industry and education, exemplified by the transformative Oklahoma ProStart student program. These programs empower aspiring individuals in hospitality, culinary arts, and restaurant management, fostering dynamic careers. Kathy also curates member educational experiences and considers speaker and facilitator selections, crafting an engaging learning environment.
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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.
