Meet the MRA

Rob Gifford is the Executive Director of the Michigan Restaurant Association, which represents more than 3,500 foodservice establishments throughout Michigan. He has served in this capacity since January of 1993. Rob also serves as the President of the MRA's Educational Support Foundation, which provides education and training services to the industry, and as Treasurer of MRA-PAC, the political arm of the Association.

Prior to joining the MRA, Rob served for three years as a senior member of the government affairs staff at the National Restaurant Association in Washington, D.C. From 1983 to 1990, Rob worked for U.S. Senator Bob Kasten (R-Wisconsin), rising to a senior legislative position. Rob was born and raised in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. He graduated from Riverside High School, attended Michigan State University, and received his B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland.

Rob is a board member of the International Society of Restaurant Association Executives, and a member of the American Society of Association Executives and the Michigan Society of Association Executives. He is a member of the Michigan Department of Agriculture's Foodservice Advisory Committee and the Michigan Foodservice Sanitation Management Certification Advisory Board.

Penny Kerekes is Senior Director of Operations at the Michigan Restaurant Association. She also serves as the administrator for MRA's Educational Support Foundation, coordinating educational training programs and materials as well as grant and scholarship programs for members.

Penny's managerial responsibilities include: planning and implementing all Board of Directors meetings and events; Political Action Committee events; Taste of Michigan Legislative Day; and our Michigan Restaurant Show, which hosts 6,000 foodservice industry personnel and nearly 275 exhibit booths. She serves as deputy to the executive director on day-to-day operations, is involved in strategic planning and keeps all trains running on time within the association.

Penny brings with her a vast array of association and government experience. Prior to joining the MRA in 1994, she served for four years on the Governor's executive staff, she has served in leadership positions with the Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan Chemical Council, Michigan Pharmaceutical Association, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association and Michigan Veterinary Medical Association. Complimenting her association and governmental experience, she also worked for the MRA's multi-client lobbying firm Muchmore Harrington Smalley Associates. Her network of contacts throughout state government and the association community has proven to be extremely valuable to our members.

Penny is a member of the International Society of Restaurant Association Executives and the Michigan Foodservice Sanitation Management Certification Advisory Board.

Bret Marr is Director of Government Affairs for the Michigan Restaurant Association. Bret joined the MRA team in early 1998, and brought with him considerable experience in lobbying at the Capitol, as well as knowledge of business regulations, taxation, liquor laws and labor
issues.

Prior to joining the MRA, Bret served in such capacities as Budget Analyst for Ingham County, Staff Director for the Seechia Commission, Community Relations Director for Michigan Senator Leon Stille, and Policy Advisor for the Senate Majority Policy Office.

Bret attended Michigan State University in East Lansing, and graduated with a B.A. in Public Affairs Management. He also received his Master of Public Administration from M.S.U.

He resides in Okemos with his wife Jenna and infant son Owen.

Kim Ohlemacher is Director, Communications of the Michigan Restaurant Association. She joined the MRA staff in 1989 as a part-time staff assistant while attending Michigan State University, and in 1993, joined the staff full-time.

Kim is the point person for Michigan Restaurateur, the association's bi-monthly publication. She fills the roles of editor, desktop publisher, graphic designer, writer, and ad salesperson. Kim also works closely with Bret Marr, Director of Government Affairs, on producing News at a Glance, the association's informative newsletter.

Kim is responsible for all in-house graphics needs, as well as updating the MRA Web Site with current articles, legislative activity, regulatory information and association events.

More recently, Kim has assumed the responsibility of directing the association's public relations activities. This entails working closely with a PR firm, preparing press releases, and generating positive press on the association's events and legislative issues affecting the restaurant industry.

Kim was born and raised in DeWitt, Michigan. She graduated from DeWitt High School, received an Associate Degree from Lansing Community College, and attended Michigan State University. Kim is married to Matt Ohlemacher, an MRA member and owner of T-Bones Restaurant & Saloon. They reside near the restaurant in St. Johns, Michigan, along with sons Matthew Jr., and Ronnie.

Julie Simon is in charge of Membership Development for the Michigan Restaurant Association. She has been part of our staff since April of 1993. Her primary responsibility is to produce monthly financial statements for the five companies/subsidiaries thatwe operate here at the MRA. She also performs all of the daily financial activities, such as managing receivables and payables, payroll, and tracking membership. In addition, Julie is responsible for managing the building and our three tenants.

Before coming to the MRA Julie was the office manager for Central Coating and Assembly, a small manufacturing company in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Prior to that she graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Business Administration. During her two years at CMU she majored in Accounting and was employed by the College of Extended Degree Programs. Julie also attended Lansing Community College, and was employed by their Accounting Department.

Julie was born and raised in Fowler, Michigan. She currently resides in Grand Ledge, Michigan with her husband Don.