DiR o NA Promotes Deborah Collins to Executive Director

New York – The Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiR o NA) , a not-for-profit association of fine-dining restaurants that recognizes and promotes excellence in dining, is pleased to announce the promotion of Deborah Collins to Executive Director.   Collins’ promotion took effect July 1, 2006, after serving as Deputy Director for four months.

 
Collins is an employee of the Kellen Company, a leading professional services firm that manages DiR o NA and other food-related organizations including the National Society for Healthcare Foodservice Management, Research Chefs Association, Inflight Food Serv ice Association and Calorie Control Council.  As Deputy Director, Collins worked to develop and strengthen DiRoNA’s Restaurant Inspections Program, working closely with its Quality Assurance Committee.  She also assisted in the development of DiR o NA's new Strategic Plan.

 
“Though her tenure with DiR o NA is still relatively young, Deborah has already contributed tremendously to the success and visibility of this organization,” said Charles “Chick” Marshall, Chairman of DiR o NA and Owner of Mr. Stox Restaurant in Anaheim, CA, a DiRoNA restaurant since 1998.  “As DiRoNA evolves in 2007, I have all the confidence that Deborah’s leadership will take us to the next level.”

 
In her new role, Collins will provide leadership and support to DiR o NA ’s Board of Directors, member restaurants and partners. She will work closely with DiR o NA ’s numerous committees to strengthen the organizations operations. Collins will be invaluable to the organization as she helps to develop strategic initiati ves during DiR o NA's transition to a self-funded organization.   She also currently serves as the Deputy Director for the Home Fashion Products Association, also managed by the Kellen Company.  

 
Prior to working with the Kellen Company and DiR o NA , Collins spent eight years in Chief of Staff roles within the not-for-profit sector.  Previously, Collins was the owner of an office services company and employment agency. She has served on the Board of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District, and has on various committees for not-for-profit organizations running fundraising initiatives and seminars. Collins also serves on the SPIRIT Advisory Board for the NRN/NRAEF SPIRIT Awards.   She earned her Honors Degree in English from the University of London.  

 
For more information about DiR o NA and its members, please visit www.dirona.org , or contact Deborah Collins at (212) 297-2144.

About DiRoNA

DiR o NA was established in 1990 to promote the fine dining industry. This non-profit organization conducts independent restaurant inspections and offers the only fine-dining guarantee in North America. The DiR o NA distinction is bestowed upon only the most distinguished fine dining establishments. To be eligible, restaurants must be in operation, under the same ownership and theme, for a minimum of three years. The rigorous, anonymous inspection process scrutinizes every aspect of the dining experience—food, wine, service, physical property and décor. To date, approximately 800 r estaurants have earned the DiR o NA distinction .

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