Texas Restaurant Association Announces New CEO
Emily Williams Knight has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA). Knight assumes all CEO responsibilities this July, immediately following TRA Marketplace, the association’s largest annual event. Knight has more than 20 years of experience and success in national and global leadership positions. She most recently served as Managing Director of Higher Education North America at Study Group, a leading provider of international education. Her career includes senior leadership roles at Laureate Education and serving as President of Kendall College, a leader in hospitality and culinary arts education.
Dr. Knight will succeed Richard E. Jackson, Jr., CAE who is retiring after 34 years as CEO and 47 years with the association. Jackson has been a TSAE member for 45 years and served in numerous volunteer roles, including Board Chair in 1995-96. He was honored with TSAE’s Distinguished Executive award in 1999.