Michelle Korsmo

Michelle Korsmo is a trade association executive and public policy strategist who serves as president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. In these roles, Korsmo oversees the $1.1 trillion restaurant industry and its nearly 16 million workers, addressing challenges shaped by technology, a shifting labor market, and ongoing cost pressures. She is responsible for delivering value to the association's members, its 52 state association partners, and the broader restaurant industry, focusing on strong operations, risk mitigation, talent development, business vitality, and industry collaboration.

Korsmo's leadership experience spans multiple industries. She previously served as head of the American Land Title Association, the national trade association for real estate settlement services and the title insurance industry, where ALTA established an industry standard for compliance management, expanded its membership and revenues, and increased fundraising for its industry PAC. Korsmo later served as president and CEO of Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, where she advocated for the industry to be recognized as essential during the COVID pandemic, reducing business interruptions.

Earlier in her career, Korsmo held public policy and government service roles, including executive vice president at Americans for Prosperity Foundation and deputy chief of staff to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao during the Bush Administration. After graduating from North Dakota State University, she founded a public advocacy and political consulting firm representing organizations before the North Dakota Legislature. Her experience in government, grassroots advocacy, and association management provides a comprehensive perspective on the intersection of policy and industry.

At the National Restaurant Association, Korsmo addresses key policy issues such as workforce recruitment and development, immigration reform, supply-chain management, and opposition to credit-card swipe fee increases. With more than 70 segments of the restaurant industry represented, she works to ensure the association reflects the entire field and supports equitable opportunities for women in the industry. Korsmo is recognized for her policy expertise and association leadership, contributing to the advancement of the foodservice sector in the United States.