Past Chairs

RAMW is most appreciative of those who have given of their valuable time, energy and expertise in their service as Chairmen/Chairwomen of the Board of Directors.

The Washington Restaurant Associations' President in 1923-24 was Frank Fenwick, followed by Bert Olmstead who served as President for nine consecutive years.

In succeeding years the Presidents included: A.G. Earnest, Evan Sholl, S. Grady Putnam, J. Willard Marriott, James N. West, Watson B. Rulon, August H. Dressel, Bayard D. Evans, John S. Daniels, L. Gordon Leech, Robert B. Ayers, Robert S. Keller, S. Cooper Dawson, Gertrude A. Brewster, Ray S. Walters, John D. Hartnett, Pietro V. Orcino, Ward B. Cleaves, James J. Matthews and John L. Horn.

The next group of Presidents were: Robinson Lappin, Karl Miller, Dunreath O. Grover, John B. Cleaves, H. William Birgfeld , Jr., Robert R. Zeender, John J. Colman, John P. Siebold, Thomas A. Gaddis, Robert Reid, John E. Faraclas, William Rauschelbach, Lee Palmer, R.L. "Pete" Browning, Gus A. Ladas, Robert A. Hoheisel.

In 1986 the President was Ray Orndorff, followed by Gary Williams, Adelina Callahan and John Corciarino, who served 18 months due to the officer year moved from calendar to fiscal year date.

For 1990-1991, the President was Giovanni Coratolo followed by Roger Zeender, John Rebstock, E.T. "Chip" Brennan, Ben Hiatt, Karen Shannon, William Anton, Manuel Pena, Marc Reydams and Zed Wondemu, who served from March 2000 to March 2001.

Michael Curtin served two terms, from March 2001 to March 2003, as did Dan Mesches from March 2003 to March 2005 and Ron Hallagan served from March 15, 2005 to March 2006. David Wizenberg served from March 2006 to March 2007. Paul Cohn, served two terms from March 2007 thru March 2009. Claude Andersen, was elected in March 2009 and served two terms through 2011.

The current sitting Chairman is Gregory Casten, who began his term in April 2011.

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