Laura Shunk

About Laura Shunk

I’m a nonprofit and trade association executive committed to building thriving small business communities, particularly in the hospitality sector. As Chief Operating Officer of the Colorado Restaurant Association and President of the Colorado Restaurant Foundation, I lead with a focus on growth, workforce development, and sustainable industry support.I guide strategic vision, public-private partnerships, board engagement, and programmatic execution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I led the fundraising and distribution of a $4M relief fund, supporting thousands of restaurant employees and their families.A storyteller at heart, I bring a deep communications background to my leadership. I\'ve helped shape policy narratives and develop data-backed advocacy. I’ve scaled leadership and training programs, built endowments, grown revenue, and strengthened board governance with the goal of fostering long-term industry resilience.Open to connecting with others working at the intersection of community investment, workforce innovation, and economic mobility.

Experience

1. COO and Foundation President

   Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation

   Jan 2025 — Present

   Lead operations and strategy implementation for the statewide trade group directly representing 50% of Colorado’s restaurant industry. Oversee talent acquisition and growth for a team spanning programs, finance, events, fundraising, and marketing. Align Association and Foundation boards to deliver on long-term strategic goals. Guide organizational fundraising strategy, special projects, positioning, and public-private partnerships.Key accomplishments:• Led 2025–2028 strategic planning process across Association and Foundation Boards• Jointly manage finances and align resources across organization• Drive board development for 30-member Foundation Board

Education

• Claremont McKenna College

  BA, cum laude, International Relations

  2003 — 2007

• UCLA Anderson School of Management

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

Skills

• Public Relations
• Event Planning
• Strategy
• Editing
• Hospitality
• Fine Dining
• Start-Ups
• Food
• Chinese
• Social Networking
• Nonprofits
• Restaurants
• Food & Beverage
• Marketing
• Spanish
• Social Media
• Writing
• Sales
• Wine
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy