About Us
The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association champions all facets of the Commonwealth’s hospitality and tourism industries. Our mission is to promote, protect, educate, and improve these industries.
Founded in 1937 as the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association, the PRLA has grown into one of the largest state hospitality and tourism associations in the nation.
PRLA works closely with our national partners to ensure our members across all segments are represented.
Hospitality and tourism are significant drivers of Pennsylvania’s economy.
Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news, trends, events, and more.
Governance
The PRLA is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of 40 leaders from every segment of the industry. In addition, PRLA has six committees that set policies, develop new programs, and spearhead member engagement.
PRLA Statewide Committees
Alcohol Service Committee
The Alcohol Service Committee monitors all liquor code legislation affecting Pennsylvania licensees and formulates plans to support or oppose specific alcohol-related legislation.
2024 Chair: Rob Commero, Mick’s All American
2024 Vice-Chair: Aaron Zeamer, Russell, Krafft & Gruber LLP
Destination Marketing Organization Committee
Made up of DMO executives and CEOs, this committee helps shape PRLA’s legislative agenda as it relates to travel and tourism issues, as well as leads educational initiatives important to DMO professionals.
Education, Health & Safety Committee
The Education, Health, and Safety Committee plans programming for chapter and statewide events to provide PRLA members and their employees with professional development.
2024 Chair: Janet Falotico, Visit Lawrence County
2024 Vice Chair: Vacant
Government Affairs Committee
The Government Affairs Committee monitors proposed laws and regulations that relate to the Pennsylvania hospitality industry and small businesses.
2024 Chair: Robert McCafferty, North Country Brewing Co.
2024 Vice-Chair: Michael Mitcham, Primanti Bros.
Lodging & Tourism Committee
The Lodging & Tourism Committee works to promote the hospitality industry as a vital economic force and great career choice.
2024 Chair: Bryan Reichelt, High Hotels Ltd.
2024 Vice-Chair: Jerad Bachar, Visit Pittsburgh
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee promotes member engagement and involvement, as well as works to identify new member benefit programs.
2024 Chair: T.J. Quinn, Kitchen Kettle Village
2024 Vice-Chair: Christian Jones, Omni Bedford Springs
Policy Committee
The Government Affairs, Alcohol Service, and Lodging & Tourism committees meet annually to set the Association’s Three-Year Legislative Plan, which prioritizes our advocacy agenda.
Leadership3>
Chairperson
Derek Beckman
Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at the Navy Yard
Vice Chairperson
Trip Ruvane
Barley Creek Brewing Company
Treasurer
Fritz Smith
Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
Immediate Past Chairperson
Cynthia Smith
Hoss’s Family Steak & Sea Restaurants / Marzoni’s Brick Oven & Brewing
Our Team
Joe Massaro
President & CEO
Eric Adams
Operations Manager
Lauren Brinjac
Senior Director of Legislative Affairs
Diane Dwyer
Director of Finance & HR
Ben Fileccia
SVP of Strategy & Engagement
Pamela Fink
Program & Events Coordinator
Heidi Howard
Director of Events & Engagement
Paula Judd
Accounting Manager
Stephanie Otterson
Director of Communications
Christine Preuss
Director of Member Services
Zak Pyzik
Senior Director of Public Affairs
Hope Sterner
Director of Education
Kendra Stutzman
Communications Specialist
Andrea Trubiano
Workforce Development Specialist
Membership Has Benefits
Resources for Hospitality Businesses, Vendors, Sponsors, Students. Membership is for Everyone!