2026 Open Call for Board of Directors Nominations
The Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association’s (InRLA) Nominating Committee is inviting expressions of interest to join the Board of Directors of InRLA for the term starting in May 2026. The committee will gather responses from those interested and create the slate of candidates that our membership will vote on in an election in the coming months. Expressions of interest will be due Tuesday, March 31 at 5 PM ET.
Click here to submit your expression of interest.
Board Roles & Responsibilities
The role of the board at InRLA is to provide strategic and financial oversight of the organization, as well as guidance to the Executive Director and the staff leadership team, with the key responsibilities being:
- Setting the strategic direction for the organization;
- Providing financial oversight; and
- Approving new policies and services.
The board is representative of our membership base and guides the staff leadership team on challenges facing Indiana’s hospitality industry. The board sets strategic directions for the organization while also providing oversight into policy changes and implementation. Board members have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure sound operations. Board members do this by attending board meetings, as well as joining more specific board committees.
InRLA’s mission is to educate, advocate and celebrate Indiana’s hospitality industry. InRLA’s board helps shape the future of our services, and by extension, impacts the broader industry. We are looking for board members to contribute their experience and perspective.
Board Member Qualifications
Nominees for the InRLA Board of Directors should:
- Be a current Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association member that is a restaurant or hotel member type in good standing
- Hold an ownership, executive, or senior leadership role within a hospitality business – specifically foodservice or hotel
- Demonstrate a commitment to advancing Indiana’s restaurant and lodging industry
- Be willing to actively participate in board meetings, committee work, and association initiatives
- Serve as a representative voice for their region and segment of the industry
To strengthen statewide representation, preference will be given to candidates located outside of Central Indiana.
Note, at this time we are only accepting nominations for a restaurant or hotel seat. Allied partner seats are currently fulfilled.
What is expected of board members?
Board members attend three meetings each year that typically take place in February, June, September and November. Meetings have taken place in a variety of locations across the state with majority hosted in Central Indiana. Board members are expected to join one committee. All committee meetings are typically held virtually to encourage participation from across the state.
While the expressions of interest are specific to an individual, the seat that is elected to the board belongs to the member organization. The member organization must remain in good standing. Board members are expected to contribute $500 annually to the InRLA Good Government Fund. This contribution is to be made within Q1 each year.
Board members are expected to be comfortable assuming the responsibilities listed above and to prepare and participate in board meeting discussions.
About the Election
The board is elected through the “one member, one vote” policy wherein every member organization of InRLA has a single vote to elect representatives to the InRLA board. Board terms are for two years.
The board maintains a balance of seats, with a mix of restaurants, hotels as well as allied partners who service the industry. This is in an effort to ensure that the diversity of experiences and perspectives of the hospitality community are represented in decisions made.
The election takes place online and voting will open in the coming month. Election results will be shared at the annual meeting (date TBA) and new members will commence their term in May 2026.
About the Nominating Committee
The nominating committee will review the expressions of interest and select a slate of candidates for election. The slate put forward will exceed the total number of open seats. The committee considers the statements of interest, membership type, geography, gender, and experience.
2025-2026 Executive Committee:
- Joe Melton, Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
- Kelly Ford, J. Fords Black Angus
- Tommy Holmes, Ivy Hospitality
- Rob Chinsky, Bridgestone Restaurant Group
- Amy Isbell-Williams, Geronimo Hospitality
- Ben Hall, Hall’s Drive Inns
- Guy Atchison, Acorn Distributors
How do you apply to join the board?
Please click here to submit your expression of interest or contact Sarah.