By Frank Brill, EnviroPolitics Editor

Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association (NJRHA) has announced that Dana Lancellotti will become the association’s new President & CEO effective March 29, 2021.  Lancellotti is currently the Director of Business Development & Tourism for Ocean County. She was selected to replace Marilou Halvorsen, current NJRHA President & CEO, who leaves New Jersey this month for a national role in the industry.

“Marilou has been a tremendous leader and a tireless force for the industry from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to the most challenging year for our industry,” said Lancellotti. “I am grateful for the opportunity to work for the NJRHA members and continue her mission.  Restaurants, hotels, and tourism are vital to the New Jersey economy.  The NJRHA is poised to lead the industry forward towards a successful recovery,” she added.

Halvorsen is leaving the organization to join the American Hotel & Lodging Association as Vice President of State Relations and Government Affairs.

“I’ve known Dana for over 20 years and am so pleased to see her take the reins.  She will do a tremendous job for the association and its members,” said Halvorsen. “The restaurant industry has been devastated by the pandemic with over 37% of restaurants either permanently or temporarily shuttered.  Strong leadership is critical at this time.”

“On behalf of myself and the NJRHA board, we thank Marilou for the 8 1/2 years she served as President and CEO of the NJRHA.  She has been our leading voice for the hospitality industry, especially this last year.  She is a true champion for the industry and will greatly be missed,” said Chairman Bhavesh Patel of NJRHA.  “We welcome Dana to the NJRHA.  Her vast background in tourism, hospitality and marketing will help the association move forward in such a crucial time” he added.

The NJRHA is the state’s leading hospitality industry representing over 25,000 restaurants, 1,500 hotels as well as numerous bowling alleys, amusement parks and more.  The industry is the state’s largest private-sector employer, employing over 500,000 people.

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