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In addition to our communication, organizing, and education
skills, we bring years of experience in the restaurant industry to our work for
you.
Kevin Westlye, Executive Director
 Kevin became Executive Director in June, 2004 after spending 34 years as a Bay Area restaurateur. His goal for the GGRA is to increase the value of membership. Programs to achieve this include improving information delivery to members through seminars, newsletters and website enhancement; adding a minimum of one new cost saving benefit every year; delivering meaningful educational programs; serving as the voice of the local restaurant industry; creating marketing opportunities to showcase members; increase awareness of potential sustainability practices; raising money for food related local charities; and political advocacy for the industry at both the local and state level.
Kevin is responsible to coordinate the GGRA staffs' responsiveness to the inquiries and concerns of its members. He serves as the main contact for members, the community, media and public officials regarding industry related issues. He manages creation and execution of all programs, coordinates communication with members, the GGRA Board of Directors and all Committees, manages events, budgets, fund raising, and administration. He also serves as a Trustee of the GGRA Scholarship Foundation.
Kevin can be reached at 415.781.5348 x 1 or at kwestlye@ggra.org
Donnalyn Murphy, Associate Director
 Donnalyn's career at the GGRA began in October, 2001. Her leadership skills and decision making allow the staff to coordinate multiple projects on a daily basis. She focuses on service to members and has established many relationships within the industry and community.
Her direct responsibilities include managing all aspects of educational programs, the Education Committee, and the Scholarship Foundation. She creates and manages educational seminars and proctors the Food Safety Certification program. She directs the scholarship application process, recently adding on-line application to increase the number of students applying for awards. Donnalyn coordinates GGRA efforts in events such as the Annual Golf Tournament and SFChefsFoodWine. She manages daily operations, event budgets, and maintains association financial records.
Her new responsibilities will include more responsibility in project coordination and staff supervision.
She can be reached at 415.781.5348 x 2 or at donnalyn@ggra.org
Heather Hudgeon, Web and Database Administrator
 Heather
was welcomed in by the GGRA in March of 2005. She has an extensive computer background to match her experience as an employee in several restaurants. Coining herself the “office geek”, she takes the lead role in updating the Association’s website, our SFchefsfoodwine website, managing the GGRA’s databases, and aides in keeping the office computers civil. She is the go-to person for our member benefits such as the employee handbook, member e-broadcasts, the online Services Guide and the online Dining Guide. She aides in managing the office can be found doing odd jobs at every GGRA event. She continues to be the point person for all web related business and can always be found behind a computer monitor some where in the office.
She can be reached at 415.781.5348 x 3 or at heather@ggra.org
Laura Leitel, Membership Advisor
As the newest addition to the GGRA, Laura began her role as Membership Advisor here in early December of 2009. She is a recent graduate of the University of Denver's Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management program within the Daniel's School of Business, and also speaks fluent Spanish. Laura was most recently involved with the GGRA over the summer as an intern for the membership department and helped with the first annual SF Chef Food and Wine show in August of 2009.
She aims to dedicate new ideas and improvements for the membership department here at the GGRA. Her responsibilities include facilitating communication with members and interested restaurateurs within our northern California community. Her goals are to engage every member in a benefits program, increasing the value of each membership to the association and also to reach out to new players within the industry, keeping our benefits programs current and meaningful. Feel free to contact Laura with any questions, concerns or comments regarding membership.
She can be reach at 415.781.5348 x 8 or at laura@ggra.org
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