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The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is pleased to welcome Jennifer “Jen” Kelley Killian as its new Executive Director, bringing a longtime advocate for Louisiana’s hospitality industry into a new role focused on supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Killian is a familiar face to many throughout the Louisiana restaurant and hospitality community. She most recently served as Director of the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, under the umbrella of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Prior to that, she spent more than seven years as Executive Director of the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, where she worked closely with industry leaders, partners and supporters.

Her connection to the LRA also goes back many years, including her early work supporting what is now Restaurant Week New Orleans.

“Jen brings a combination of hospitality experience, strong relationships and a genuine passion for giving back to our industry,” said LRA President and CEO Stan Harris. “She already knows so many of the people who make our Foundation successful, and I’m confident she will be a positive asset as we continue expanding the LRAEF’s impact.”

Killian said she is excited to return to the hospitality community in a new capacity.

“I’m thrilled to join the LRA Education Foundation and continue doing what I love, connecting people and creating opportunities that make a difference,” said Killian. “The LRAEF’s work investing in the future of our industry is incredibly important, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

Killian will work closely with the LRAEF team as she transitions into the role and helps build on the Foundation’s ongoing work in education, workforce development, and scholarships.

Photo taken by Jeff Strout.