Jessica began consulting for the Iowa Restaurant Association in 2006 and served as editor of the Association’s statewide magazine Food and Beverage Iowa Quarterly for five years prior to taking the helm of the Association in July 2011. In addition to her work with the IRA, Jessica brings 20+ years of strategic planning, management, and development experience to the Association. She worked in both the private business and non-profit sectors, having helped found two successful non-profit organizations, as well as owning an independent consulting practice. Jessica has worked within the hospitality industry, as well as with partner associations such as the Iowa Grocery Industry Association and the Iowa Retail Federation. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and vision for the IRA’s future success and growth.  In her role as President and CEO, Jessica is a bit of a “road warrior” traveling the state to promote Iowa’s hospitality industry.  Check out her blog Restaurants Across Iowa.