GALA and Charity Auction (1)

Keynote Speaker

John D. Barker – President & CEO

John Barker has 30+ years of business experience with consumer centric organizations including businesses in the restaurant industry, greeting cards/social expressions, non-profit entities, and universities. He was also a journalist and an editor for several publications.

·       He is currently President & CEO of the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance (formerly the Ohio Restaurant Association), a business trade association founded in 1920 with a mission focused on promoting and protecting the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry. He is also the President & CEO of the Hospitality Institute of Ohio (formerly the ORA Education Foundation).

·       Barker teaches students at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business (MBA marketing and strategic management courses), and has been an adjunct professor there since 2011.