Stan Harris was chose as the Louisiana Restaurant Association President and CEO in August 2010. Harris spent 28 years in progressive roles in the restaurant industry with TJM Restaurant Management, the largest franchisee of Ruth’s Chris Steak House operating fourteen locations in ten states with over 2500 associates. He sold the company to the franchise parent in 2007.

In late 2007, he acquired Forefront Group, the largest supplier of golf bags, accessories, and sports towels in the United States. Harris aligned new strategic partnerships with the PGA TOUR, National Football League, Collegiate Licensing Company, PGA of America, and United States Golf Association. After completing its restructuring, he sold to Dynamic Brands, Inc. of Richmond, Virginia in 2009.

In addition to leading advocacy efforts for the LRA, he serves as the chief executive officer of the LRA Self Insurer’s Fund for worker’s compensation which provides coverage for approximately $850 million dollars in hospitality payroll, and he manages over $35 million dollars in reserve funds. He also serves as CEO of the LRA’s Education Foundation which offers its ProStart curriculum to over 2000 Louisiana high school juniors and seniors. The LRAEF also provides scholarships and school support to enhance the development of future industry leaders.

As CEO of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, he has responsibility for all association activities including government affairs, local, state, and federal regulatory policy, media relations and member program development. He regularly engages with members of the Louisiana congressional and senate delegations on industry matters. The LRA’s PAC and During his leadership, the LRA’s state PAC has become one of the largest in Louisiana.

Harris has served on the board of the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) and the advisory board of the University of New Orleans Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism school.

In 2020, Harris served as Chair of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the first state restaurant association executive to do so and is also a director of the National Restaurant Association. In 2021, he served as Chair of New Orleans & Company, the region’s convention and visitor authority and continues service on that board.

Mr. Harris is a guest lecturer in both the MBA and Executive MBA programs at Louisiana State University focusing on entrepreneurship and business operations. He also is a guest lecturer for the HRT program at the University of New Orleans. Harris