Staff

 

Jessica began consulting for the Iowa Restaurant Association in 2006 and served as editor of the Association's statewide magazine Food and Beverage Iowa Quarterly for five years prior to taking the helm of the Association in July 2011. In addition to her work with the IRA, Jessica brings 20+ years of strategic planning, management, and development experience to the Association. She worked in both the private business and non-profit sectors, having helped found two successful non-profit organizations, as well as owning an independent consulting practice. Jessica has worked within the hospitality industry, as well as with partner associations such as the Iowa Grocery Industry Association and the Iowa Retail Federation. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and vision for the IRA’s future success and growth.  In her role as President and CEO, Jessica is a bit of a "road warrior" traveling the state to promote Iowa's hospitality industry.  Check out her blog Restaurants Across Iowa.

 

 

 

Schaben has been with the Iowa Restaurant Association for more than 15 years and has served in a variety of roles in that time.  Currently, she is charged with overseeing the Association’s core training programs including food safety and responsible alcohol service training courses. She also works with educators across the state to promote ProStart, a nationwide, two-year high school program developed through the National Restaurant Association which unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent.  In addition to her educational role, Schaben serves as the primary contact for the Iowa Restaurant Association’s corporate partners. 

 

 

Jordan has been with the Iowa Restaurant Association for six years. She joined the Association from the food industry, having spent 18 years in a variety of sales and promotions positions including implementing the “Taste of Iowa” program for the Iowa Department of Economic Development.  Jordan keeps an office in Des Moines but spends much of her time on-the-road meeting with current and potential members, promoting the Association’s benefit and discount programs, and speaking at member gatherings. In addition to her work in membership, she handles the advertising sales for the Association’s quarterly magazine and helps solicit sponsorships for the IRA’s programs and events.