(Washington, DC)  The National Restaurant Association today announced that Maureen Ryan has joined the Association’s Marketing, Communications and Media Relations Division team.  Ryan has been named manager of Media Relations, and will report to Sue Hensley, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Media Relations.   

As manager, Ryan will work to further enhance communications on the Association’s legislative policy priorities to a variety of audiences, including media, both within and outside the restaurant industry, and to promote the restaurant industry as the cornerstone of the economy, career and employment opportunities and community involvement.

“Maureen is an outstanding addition to our Marketing, Communications and Media Relations team,” said Peter Kilgore, Association acting interim president and chief executive officer.  “Her communications skills and experience have provided her with a solid understanding of the legislative process, as well as a keen insight on the public policy issues – both at the state and federal levels – that impact restaurateurs.  We are pleased to welcome Maureen to our team.”

Ryan brings with her nearly four years of experience working on Capitol Hill, where she served as assistant press secretary for Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).  Ryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland.