The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) just dropped its 2026 Board of Directors lineup, and it’s packed with serious hospitality heavy-hitters. From Legacy Ventures to Whiskey Bird, this year’s board represents the full spectrum of Georgia’s thriving restaurant scene: and the new faces joining the table bring everything from immigration law expertise to immersive dining innovation.
If you’re wondering who’s steering the ship for one of the nation’s most dynamic state restaurant associations, buckle up. This isn’t just a list of names: it’s a snapshot of where Georgia hospitality is headed.
Meet Your 2026 Executive Committee
Leading the charge this year is Shannayl Deckard, vice president of human resources for restaurants at Legacy Ventures, who takes on the role of Board Chair. Deckard’s people-first approach to hospitality management makes her a fitting leader as the industry continues to navigate workforce challenges and cultural shifts.
Joining her is Alexis Kinsey, co-founder of Fork U Concepts, stepping into the Past Chair role. Kinsey’s entrepreneurial spirit and track record in concept development bring invaluable perspective to the board’s strategic direction.
Jessica Smith, vice president of marketing for Ted’s Montana Grill, serves as Vice Chair. Smith’s marketing chops are especially critical as restaurants face evolving consumer behaviors and digital engagement strategies.
Mike Dixon, chief financial officer for GoTo Foods, returns as Treasurer, bringing financial acumen that’s essential for navigating economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures.
Rounding out the executive committee are at-large members Topher Jensen, director of commercial sales at Gas South, and Havird Usry, vice president of operations and development for Fat Man’s Hospitality. Their combined experience in energy solutions and multi-unit operations ensures the board stays grounded in the operational realities facing Georgia restaurateurs daily.
Seven New Voices Join the Board
Here’s where things get really interesting. The GRA welcomed seven new board members for 2026, each bringing distinct expertise that signals where the association is placing its bets for the future.
Dustin Baxter – Immigration Law Expert
Dustin Baxter, managing partner at Kuck Baxter Immigration LLC, might seem like an unexpected addition to a restaurant board. But anyone who’s struggled with visa processing or navigated H-2B workers knows exactly why he’s here. With over a decade of experience in complex immigration cases and fluency in Spanish, Baxter provides critical guidance as labor shortages continue to challenge the industry. His inclusion reflects the GRA’s commitment to addressing the workforce crisis head-on.
Courtney James – State & Local Policy Strategist
Courtney James from Darden Restaurants brings deep expertise in government relations and regulatory strategy. As manager of state and local government relations for the nation’s largest full-service restaurant company, James knows how to work the rooms where decisions get made: think minimum wage laws, tip credit regulations, and local permitting nightmares. Her coalition-building skills will be essential as the GRA advances its advocacy priorities.
Josh Rossmeisl – Experiential Dining Pioneer
Josh Rossmeisl, founder and chief vision officer of AMP Up1 Hospitality, represents the future of social dining. His Atlanta venue, Your 3rd Spot: a 26,000-square-foot space featuring 80+ games, craft food, and a lively bar program: exemplifies the experiential dining trend that’s reshaping how Americans eat and drink out. Starting as a dishwasher at 15 and rising to COO at King’s Dining & Entertainment before launching his own concept, Rossmeisl’s from-the-ground-up perspective keeps the board connected to frontline realities.
Scott Ryan – Customer Engagement Leader
Scott Ryan, senior vice president of customer leadership at The Coca-Cola Company, brings Fortune 500 muscle to the table. Ryan oversees customer engagement, franchise operations, and channel strategy: translation: he understands how to connect products with consumers across multiple touchpoints. His expertise in data-driven insights and e-commerce adaptation is gold as restaurants wrestle with delivery platforms, ghost kitchens, and direct-to-consumer opportunities.
Larry Ryback – BBQ Boss with Heart
Larry Ryback, CEO of Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q, earned CHART’s “Commitment to People” Award in 2025 for his focus on team development: a recognition that’s increasingly rare in an industry known for high turnover. With 59 locations across six states and prior leadership roles at P.F. Chang’s, Kona Grill, and True Food Kitchen, Ryback knows how to scale concepts without losing soul. His people-first culture philosophy aligns perfectly with the GRA’s mission to strengthen Georgia’s hospitality workforce.
Michele Stumpe – Litigation & Compliance Specialist
Michele Stumpe, managing partner at Ardis Law LLP, specializes in premises liability, business litigation, and alcohol compliance, basically, the stuff that keeps restaurant owners up at night. With over two decades securing record negligent-security verdicts and providing regulatory counsel to national brands, Stumpe’s expertise helps GRA members navigate the increasingly complex legal landscape around alcohol service, patron safety, and liability exposure.
Anthony Vipond – Neighborhood Restaurant Champion
Anthony Vipond, co-founder and owner of Whiskey Bird in Atlanta’s Morningside/Virginia-Highland area, represents the independent restaurant spirit. His Pacific Rim-inspired small plates concept, blending yakitori-style cooking with an elevated whiskey program, showcases how chef-driven independents can thrive through community connection and culinary innovation. With a Cornell Hotel School pedigree and global culinary experience shaped by time in Hong Kong and Japan, Vipond embodies the sophisticated-yet-approachable vibe that defines modern neighborhood dining.
Why This Board Composition Matters
The GRA’s 2026 board isn’t just diverse on paper: it’s strategically constructed to address the industry’s most pressing challenges. Immigration reform, regulatory advocacy, experiential concepts, workforce development, legal compliance, and independent restaurant viability all get a seat at the leadership table.
The mix of multi-unit operators, independent restaurateurs, supplier partners, and subject-matter experts creates a 360-degree perspective that benefits the association’s entire membership base. Whether you’re running a single location in Savannah or managing operations for a regional chain, this board has someone who gets your world.
The Advisory Board continues to feature industry legends like Pano Karatassos of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, George McKerrow of Ted’s Montana Grill, and Julie Kritz of Chick-fil-A: ensuring institutional knowledge and long-term vision remain central to the GRA’s direction.
The GRA’s Mission: Advocacy Meets Growth
At its core, the Georgia Restaurant Association exists to be the trusted source where hospitality owners and operators gain a competitive edge. The organization provides statewide advocacy, valuable resources, and a collaborative platform for an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of Georgians across more than 23,000 eating and drinking establishments.
For restaurant operators navigating rising costs, workforce shortages, and shifting consumer preferences, the GRA serves as both shield and amplifier: defending the industry’s interests at the state and local level while sharing best practices and innovative solutions that drive profitability.
This year’s board composition suggests the GRA is doubling down on pragmatic problem-solving. Need immigration guidance? Call Dustin Baxter. Facing a regulatory battle? Courtney James and Michele Stumpe have your back. Wondering how to create a more engaging guest experience? Josh Rossmeisl lives and breathes it. Looking to build a stronger team culture? Larry Ryback literally won an award for it.
What’s Next for Georgia Hospitality
As the GRA enters 2026 under this new leadership structure, Georgia’s restaurant community can expect advocacy efforts focused on workforce development, regulatory relief, and business growth support. The board’s diverse expertise positions the association to tackle everything from visa processing delays to tip credit legislation to alcohol compliance modernization.
For members, this means more resources, stronger representation, and better access to the insights and connections that separate surviving from thriving. For the industry at large, it signals that Georgia remains committed to fostering a hospitality ecosystem where independent dreamers and multi-unit operators alike can build sustainable, profitable businesses.
Want to learn more about the GRA or get involved? Visit garestaurants.org to explore membership options, advocacy initiatives, and upcoming events.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
