Raleigh, N.C. (February 24, 2025) – After 13 years successfully leading one of North Carolina’s largest and most influential trade associations, advancing and protecting all aspects of the state’s hospitality industry, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) President and CEO Lynn Minges announced today that she will step down at the end of 2025. Until then, she will continue to lead the association on its continued growth trajectory and assist board leadership in the search for a new CEO.
“Lynn has been an extraordinary leader for the North Carolina hospitality industry during a time of both challenge and opportunity,” said NCRLA Board Chair Jason Smith. “She has unified our industry, expanded our impact, heightened our effectiveness and navigated a number of significant public policy challenges. The organization is well-positioned to continue to fulfill its mission to advance and protect the industry and has a strong foundation on which her successor will build.”
“Leading NCRLA has been the privilege of a lifetime. Every day, I’ve been inspired by the dedication, resilience and creativity of North Carolina’s hospitality professionals. From our innovative restaurateurs and talented chefs to our outstanding hoteliers and their high- performing teams, the people of this industry have shown me time and time again what it means to put service above self,” Minges said. “The vitality of North Carolina’s hospitality industry comes from the incredible individuals who wake up each day committed to creating memorable experiences for others. Their passion has fueled my own dedication to advocating for this sector that is so vital to our state’s economy and culture.”
Prior to her current post, Lynn served for 20 years in executive leadership roles at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, in which she was responsible for expanding tourism, film recruitment and sports development as well as overseeing business sector marketing on both a domestic and international scale.
“As I look toward this transition, I remain fully committed to advancing NCRLA’s mission throughout 2025. The organization is well-positioned for continued success, and I look forward to working with our board of directors to ensure a smooth leadership transition that will carry forward our momentum,” Minges said. “I am deeply grateful to our members, partners and the entire NCRLA team for their support and collaboration over the years. While I will miss the daily interactions with the extraordinary people who make this industry so special, I know the future of hospitality in North Carolina is bright.”
The NCRLA board has retained global executive search firm Stanton Chase to assist with the leadership transition process.
Media Contact:
Chris Mackey
North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
cmackey@ncrla.org
