Carol Wight Ceo Nmra
CEO @New Mexico Restaurant Association
Signup · Get unlimited contacts
WORK HISTORY
CEO @New Mexico Restaurant Association
Albuquerque, NM, US
MembershipEnhanced services, programs and communication to increase value and relevance for 1,100 restaurant members resulting in a 93% retention rate. A recent survey of stakeholders revealed across-the-board enthusiasm for the work of the association. Government AffairsDeveloped an integrated system that improved the impact of lobbying efforts. The system includes member and legislator surveys, position statements (legislative menu), legislative report cards, targeted campaign contributions and focused lobbying efforts. Finance and FundraisingTurned around a nonprofit struggling to make payroll, improved association cash flow and built a comfortable cash reserve through increased sponsorships, dues and non-dues revenue. Supervised the purchase of office building, and prioritization of program and activities spending. Tripled sponsorship income within 9 months, as a result of a board request to improve funding. Balanced budget and protected cash reserves during the economic downturn. EducationTransformed the education mission of NMRA. Re-established and expanded certification training programs for the foodservice workforce. Developed entire education program resulting in a 30% increase in total revenue. Created a 501(c)(3) Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF) for charitable giving. To date scholarships awarded in excess of to encourage students entering the hospitality industry. HIEF also administers a restaurant and culinary management program,(ProStart) in conjunction with the NRA, serving 1,500 students in 57 high schools throughout the state. CommunicationsLed a complete online image change including a re-branding effort that resulted in a comprehensive communications program, including publication and distribution of a state-wide magazine, bi-monthly e-newsletter and social media including Facebook and Twitter. Gave the association a new face and stronger public recognition.
EDUCATION
UNM Anderson School of Management
Nonprofit Management
New Mexico State University
Hotel, Restaurant, Tourism Management
ABOUT CAROL WIGHT CEO NMRA
As CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association & life-long restaurateur, I\'m passionate about helping New Mexico restaurant operators be as successful as possible.(Check out our \"Ultimate New Mexico Restaurant Success Guide\" here: nmrestaurants.org/guide) Our members enjoy the benefit of our ability to negotiate discounts on their behalf. As New Mexico\'s largest association of restaurant professionals, we use our collective power to make policy changes, negotiate group discounts, provide the highest quality education to our members, stay up-to-date on critical industry trends, and obtain many other members-only benefits that ensure our members are more protected, more savvy, and more successful. Together, we are truly stronger!Third-Person Bio:At 21, Carol Wight opened her first restaurant. By the time she was 30, she owned three successful restaurants with 150 employees. Utilizing her entrepreneurial skills and restaurant expertise, she became an international consultant working with restaurants and hotels in Asia and the Middle East.Carol became the CEO of the New Mexico Restaurant Association in 2002. She is responsible for carrying out the mission and vision of the organization and for implementing programs and services that benefit members. Despite challenging times, the organization has thrived under her leadership. She has improved the association\'s cash flow, built a comfortable cash reserve, increased sponsorship, created a 501(c) 3, Education Foundation, and purchased a building.
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.