Leadership Staff

Carrie Leishman

President & CEO

Carrie Leishman is the President & CEO of the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) and its philanthropic arm—The Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF). 2024 marks Carrie’s 24th year as President & CEO of the DRA, the state trade association dedicated to promoting, educating and advocating for the Delaware’s foodservice industry; which represents close to 2,000 restaurants in the state.

Carrie grew up in upstate New York and graduated from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. After spending 10 years with the Maryland Restaurant Association, she became the President of the Delaware Restaurant Association. She is credited with building and strengthening the DRA—taking a handful of members and a minuscule yearly budget and turning it into one of the most influential business organization in the state. Carrie is often described as a passionate and fearless advocate for the industry, and has been featured in Delaware Today Magazine where she was recognized as an influential Woman in Business as well as The Delaware Business Times “25 People to Watch” and most recently named a “Local Food Hero” in Edible Delmarva Magazine.

Carrie was recognized by The White House In late 2018 and attended the signing of President Trump’s landmark, bipartisan legislation to combat substance abuse and addiction. Carrie represented the nation’s restaurants for her organization’s development of the first, industry training for substance abuse awareness and prevention and most recently a new nationwide online certification course in collaboration with The University of Delaware for hospitality human resources.

In 2014 Carrie expanded the DRA by forming the Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF). This non-profit entity of the DRA focuses on training, education and workforce development for students, underserved populations, and those already in the foodservice industry. The DRF’s premier culinary and management program is the ProStart Program, which currently reaches over 3,000 students in 18 high schools throughout Delaware as well as in Delaware’s prison system. The Foundation expanded by developing one of the first in the nation’s cook apprenticeship programs and is now leading in the state’s effort to expand youth apprenticeship.

Carrie has spent time mentoring high school youth in Delaware’s foster care system, is an avid writer and national speaker and is an adjunct professor in the University of Delaware’s Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management Program.

Karen Stauffer

Vice President, Delaware Restaurant Association

Karen has been an integral part of the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) for over 12 years, bringing a wealth of experience in strategic communications, advocacy, and industry promotion. She has led numerous initiatives to advance Delaware's restaurant industry and expand training opportunities for industry professionals. Additionally, her expertise in grant writing has secured over $2 million in funding for the Delaware Restaurant Foundation and its educational initiatives.

Since joining the DRA in 2013, Karen has leveraged her deep-rooted passion for the hospitality industry to support its growth and success, while communicating through storytelling the opportunities that exist within the industry for all. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she gained firsthand experience working with esteemed restaurateurs and business owners at Abbotts Grill, Nage, Dogfish Head, and the Light Up the Queen Foundation. Her background spans all facets of the industry, from large-scale events and festivals to marketing and fundraising. She sits on the planning committee of the Council of State Restaurant Associations, and leads the DRA's Hospitality HR Roundtable Series.

For Karen, the restaurant industry is more than just a profession—it’s a vibrant and diverse second family. She is dedicated to advancing, educating, and advocating for the industry she loves. Outside of work, she enjoys chronicling her culinary and travel adventures on social media. Based in Newark with her family, she is an avid restaurant explorer and enjoys her role as the go-to person for dining recommendations for friends and family. Her other passions include traveling, hiking, cooking, discovering new wineries & craft breweries, and cheering on the Phillies.

Meghan Gardner

Vice President, Delaware Restaurant Foundation

Meghan "Meg" Gardner joined the Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF) in 2023, bringing decades of experience as a restaurant owner, mentor, and industry advocate. Before stepping into her leadership role, she served on the Delaware Restaurant Association & Foundation Board of Directors for many years and coached ProStart students through statewide and national competitions, shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders.

A native Delawarean, Meg’s hospitality journey began at the Charcoal Pit in Pike Creek and led to ownership of the Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach, where she spent 18 years creating memorable dining experiences, fostering talent, and championing inclusivity in the industry.

Beyond the restaurant world, Meg has always been passionate about education, workforce development, and breaking down barriers to career success. As Director of Resource Development at Children’s Beach House, she launched a social enterprise catering and food service program to support underserved youth.

At the DRF, Meg leads efforts to expand industry training, increase workforce development initiatives, and create more accessible career pathways for all individuals. Under her leadership, the Foundation has launched the Women of Hospitality Leadership Accelerator, expanded training access for ProStart students, secured funding to support employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and strengthened employer partnerships to connect job seekers with meaningful careers. She is also committed to ensuring that workplaces provide necessary accommodations and support for all individuals entering the industry, helping to create an inclusive and equitable hospitality workforce.For Meg, hospitality is more than an industry—it’s a lifelong passion rooted in service, connection, and creating opportunities for others. She believes that the success of the industry depends on empowering its people, and she remains steadfast in her mission to support, educate, and inspire the next generation of leaders. Through her work with the Delaware Restaurant Foundation, she is building a legacy of impact that will help shape a stronger, more inclusive hospitality community for years to come.

Yvette Sencion

Director, Events and Social Media

Yvette brings her wealth of expertise to the Delaware Restaurant Association as our Director of Events and Social Media, joining us in April 2024. With over two decades of experience in event planning and graphic design, she embodies the perfect blend of creativity and professionalism.

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Yvette's journey to this pivotal role has been marked by dedication and a commitment to excellence. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Graphic Communications Technology Management from Kean University in NJ. During her college years, Yvette held numerous executive positions, guiding and inspiring her fellow students. Today, she pays it forward by mentoring emerging student leaders, nurturing their potential for success. Yvette's entrepreneurial spirit led her to found OpulentCelebrations.com, a premier event planning and design company specializing in social events and luxury custom invitations. Her portfolio boasts a seamless fusion of creativity and precision. Her passion for orchestrating flawless events, combined with her keen eye for design, ensures that every project she undertakes is executed with finesse.

With her expertise, our events and social media presence will soar. Furthermore, her Hispanic/Latina roots and immigrant experience, along with her fluency in Spanish, will also help us connect with Delaware's vibrant Hispanic community, ensuring inclusivity and value for all. We're excited to welcome Yvette to the DRA team!

Rae Whichard

Director, Membership & Corporate Partnerships

Rae has served as the Membership Director for the Delaware Restaurant Association (DRA) for over a decade, following a successful career in both inside and outside sales across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Her extensive background in sales, combined with hands-on experience in restaurant management, allows her to build strong relationships with industry leaders and identify innovative benefits for the association’s valued members.

Known for her ability to connect with others, Rae consistently finds common ground and fosters meaningful connections within the industry. She resides in Middletown with her husband and two children, and enjoys spending time at the beach and traveling throughout the region to visit friends and family.

Ruthann Messick

Director, Workforce Development

Ruthann joined the Delaware Restaurant Foundation in November of 2020. She worked in Workforce Development prior to joining the DRA team and has many resource connections throughout Delaware. Her background is working with those who are facing challenges…whether that is due to incarceration, homelessness, substance abuse, food insecurity or any other barrier one may face. Her passion is assisting others in challenging times. She loves to meet people and get to know them to be able to provide them with the resources they need to be productive and successful! She is a board member of Continuum of Care Delaware and Partnership in Reentry Coalition of Delaware. Ruthann resides in Dover with her husband and many pets. She has two adult children and loves to spend time with them. She volunteers with Runners for Rescues and Literacy Delaware. In her spare time, she loves to spend time crafting, sewing, or being outdoors.

Sarah Poursaied

Director, Finance and Operations

Sarah officially joined the team at the Delaware Restaurant Association after her graduate internship for the organization during the 2020-2021 school year. She was born and raised in Newark and graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.S. and M.S in Hospitality Business Management. Sarah has worked in restaurants throughout the state for over 10 years, and her passion for industry is what brought her back to the DRA. She currently lives in Rehoboth Beach, and in her spare time you can find her at the beach, going out to eat, or spending time with her dog, Pierre!

Laura Riehl Bourdeau

Executive Assistant and Office Manager

Laura Riehl Bourdeau is the Executive Assistant and Office Manager for the Delaware Restaurant Association, bringing over 20 years of experience in the food service industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and began her journey in hospitality in 1992 when her parents opened an Auntie Anne’s franchise in the Dover Mall. Laura has experience as a team member, QSR operator, franchise business consultant, and industry advocate. In addition to her role in the restaurant industry, she has experience as a fundraising manager in the nonprofit sector.

A proud mom of three, she’s guiding her children through their educational journeys—one a rising junior at Delaware Valley University, another a rising sophomore at the University of Delaware, and a third a rising sophomore at CRHS. Outside of work and spending time with her family, she enjoys reading, movies, travel, and, of course, exploring new food experiences. Deeply passionate about the restaurant industry and the people who make it thrive, she believes in the power of perseverance, community, and heart.