PRESS RELEASE: Georgia Restaurant Association Announces 2026 Board of Directors

ATLANTA (Jan. 29, 2026) – The Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) is pleased to announce the organization’s Board of Directors for 2026. The executive committee includes Board Chair Shannayl Deckard, vice president of human resources, restaurants for Legacy Ventures; Past Chair Alexis Kinsey, co-founder for Fork U Concepts; Vice Chair Jessica Smith, vice president of marketing for Ted’s Montana Grill; Treasurer Mike Dixon, chief financial officer for GoTo Foods; and at-large members Topher Jensen, director of commercial sales at Gas South, and Havird Usry, vice president of operations and development for Fat Man’s Hospitality.

The GRA also welcomes seven new board members for 2026, consisting of restaurateurs and industry leaders:

Dustin Baxter, Managing Partner, Kuck Baxter

Dustin Baxter is managing partner at Kuck Baxter Immigration LLC, an Atlanta-based immigration law firm. With over a decade of experience, he advises individuals and employers on complex visa, status adjustment and deportation cases. A graduate of the University of Oregon (B.A., summa cum laude; J.D.), Baxter began his career as an attorney advisor with the U.S. Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. Admitted in Georgia and Oregon, he is fluent in Spanish after living in Oaxaca, Mexico, and has been recognized on Georgia’s “Super Lawyers” list for his expertise and client-focused advocacy.

Courtney James, Manager, State and Local Government Relations, Darden Restaurants

Courtney James is a manager of state and local government relations at Darden Restaurants, the nation’s largest full‑service restaurant company. She leads state and municipal policy strategy across key markets in the Southeast, working closely with policymakers, industry partners and internal business leaders to advance Darden’s public policy priorities. With deep expertise in government relations, complex legislative environments and coalition building, James supports the company’s long‑term growth by aligning advocacy efforts with emerging regulatory trends and operational needs.

Josh Rossmeisl, Founder/Chief Vision Officer, AMP Up1 Hospitality

Josh Rossmeisl is the founder and chief vision officer of AMP Up1 Hospitality, a company merging food, drink, games and social connection in immersive venues. Starting as a dishwasher at 15 and rising to management by 17, Rossmeisl built his career on hands-on experience and people-first leadership. At King’s Dining & Entertainment, he became COO, leading 11 successful openings nationwide. In 2022, he launched Your 3rd Spot in Atlanta—a 26,000-square-foot social dining venue with 80+ games, craft food and a lively atmosphere. His leadership model emphasizes growth from within, with many leaders rising from hourly roles and sharing ownership through a managing-partner program.

Scott Ryan, Senior Vice President, The Coca-Cola Company

Scott Ryan is senior vice president of customer leadership at The Coca-Cola Company, leading customer engagement, franchise operations and channel strategy. With extensive experience in retail, franchise sales and global digital teams, he drives growth through collaboration and data-driven insights. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a master’s in international business from Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business, Ryan focuses on aligning Coca-Cola’s customer network with its strategic goals—helping franchisees and retail partners adapt to shifting consumer trends, e-commerce and new growth opportunities.

Larry Ryback, CEO, Jim ‘N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q

Larry Ryback is CEO of Jim ’N Nick’s Community Bar-B-Q, a growing Southern restaurant chain known for its scratch-made food and hospitality. With over 20 years in restaurant leadership, he has guided the brand’s expansion while fostering a people-first culture. In 2025, he received CHART’s “Commitment to People” Award for his focus on team development. Jim ’N Nick’s now operates 59 locations across six states. Ryback’s prior roles include president and COO of Redstone American Grill, COO of Kona Grill, senior operations leader at P.F. Chang’s, president/COO of True Food Kitchen, and CEO of Tijuana Flats.

Michele Stumpe, Managing Partner, Ardis Law

Michele Stumpe is managing partner at Ardis Law LLP, an Atlanta-based firm specializing in litigation, hospitality, alcohol compliance and dispute resolution. With over two decades of experience, she focuses on premises liability, business litigation and regulatory consulting for hospitality and retail clients. A seasoned trial lawyer, Stumpe has secured record negligent-security verdicts and provides strategic counsel to national and regional brands. Before co-founding Ardis Law in 2025, she held senior roles at leading firms. She also founded Children of Conservation, a nonprofit supporting education for children of African sanctuary workers and serves on several industry and conservation boards.

Anthony Vipond, Owner/Founder, Whiskey Bird

Anthony Vipond is the co-founder and owner of Whiskey Bird, a popular neighborhood restaurant in Atlanta’s Morningside/Virginia-Highland area. With over two decades in hospitality and a global culinary background—shaped by time in Hong Kong and Japan—Vipond combines refined technique with a relaxed dining experience. A Cornell University Hotel School graduate, he honed his management skills in high-volume restaurants before partnering with chef Chad Crete to open Whiskey Bird in 2017. The restaurant blends Pacific Rim flavors, yakitori-style cooking and an elevated whiskey and cocktail program. Under Vipond’s leadership, it’s become known for inventive small plates, a lively atmosphere and a community-driven spirit.

The GRA Board of Directors consists of restaurant operators from across Georgia and trusted industry supplier representatives. Board members represent the diverse voices of the restaurant community and workforce, advancing the mission and vision of the GRA and its philanthropic foundation to strengthen and advocate for Georgia’s restaurant industry.

2026 Georgia Restaurant Association Leadership

Advisory Board

Phil Hickey, Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q | Miller’s Ale House

Pano Karatassos, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group

Julie Kritz, Chick-fil-A

Alan LeBlanc, Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group

George McKerrow, Ted’s Montana Grill

John C. Metz, Sterling Culinary Management | Marlow’s Tavern

Nancy Oswald, Sizzling Steak Concepts

Jim Squire, Franchise Marketing Advisors

Board of Directors Executive Committee

Shannayl Deckard, chair, Legacy Ventures

Alexis Kinsey, past chair, Fork U Concepts

Jessica Smith, vice chair, Ted’s Montana Grill

Mike Dixon, treasurer, GoTo Foods

Topher Jensen, at-large, Gas South

Havird Usry, at-large, Fat Man’s Hospitality

Board of Directors

Paul Baldasaro, Taco Mac

Dustin Baxter, Kuck|Baxter Immigration

Jessica Bryant, NCR Voyix

Juan Calle, TQM Hospitality

Luke Christian, Surcheros

Pepe Fundora, Cork and Glass, Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

Bill Goudey, Copeland’s of New Orleans

Benjamin Green, Ecolab

Matt Hene, IRONWOOD, a March & McLennan Agency

Kaffee Hopkins, Sterling Hospitality

Joseph Hsiao, H Restaurant Group

Sean Hyslop, Goldbergs Group

Courtney James, Darden Restaurants

Tom Johnson, Associated Restaurant Ventures

Lisa Khatib, Laziza Mediterranean Grill

Camila Knowles, Chick-fil-A

Melissa Libby, Melissa Libby & Associates (MLA)

Susio Oddo, Unsukay

Caleb Poppell, Daniel Reed Hospitality

Brian Renshaw, Moore Colson

Josh Rossmeisl, AMP Up1 Hospitality

Scott Ryan, The Coca-Cola Company

Larry Ryback, Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ

Libby Sharp, Inspire Brands

Joe Sieve

Steve Simon, Fifth Group Restaurants

Chris Smith

Michele Stumpe, Ardis Law

Justin Triplett, MBC Concessions

Faith Vaughan, Foodgenuity Consulting Group

Anthony Vipond, Whiskey Bird

Bud Whitmire, Waffle House

Hank Clark, Marlow’s Tavern + the Woodall (Director Emeritus)

About the Georgia Restaurant Association: The Georgia Restaurant Association’s (GRA) mission is to be the trusted source where hospitality owners and operators gain a competitive edge to grow their business and strengthen the hospitality industry in Georgia. The Association is the voice throughout the hospitality industry in Georgia. We provide a statewide platform for collaboration and leadership on advocacy issues, along with valuable resources for our members. As your trusted ally, the GRA empowers hospitality owners to focus on their passion—delivering exceptional dining experiences. With the GRA, Georgia’s restaurants can thrive, evolve and elevate their vital role in the state’s economy and community. For more information, visit www.garestaurants.org.