President & CEO, Texas Restaurant Association
Dr. Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., assumed the role as president and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association and the Texas Restaurant Foundation in August of 2019. She is nationally known for her steadfast, service-driven leadership, which was key to securing government waivers and federal support that saved thousands of restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 20 years of global career experience, and as the face of Texas’ largest private sector employer, Knight continues to drive legislative success at all levels of government. At the same time, Knight’s background in business and education has driven the TRA to expand its member and community benefit offerings to ensure Texans of every background can build a healthy and fulfilling career in the foodservice industry. She has been recognized by the Dallas Business Journal, Nation’s Restaurant News Reader Picks, American Way Magazine and Dallas College.
Knight holds multiple degrees, including a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership, and serves on various boards for organizations that serve the hospitality industry and veterans. She resides in North Texas with her husband and their 18-year-old twin daughters and two rescue dogs.
