Laura Shunk
COO and Foundation President @Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation
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WORK HISTORY
COO and Foundation President @Colorado Restaurant Association & Foundation
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
UCLA Anderson School of Management
Master of Business Administration - MBA
SKILLS
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.
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