The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association named former Greenville Mayor Allen Thomas as the association’s next president and CEO, following a national search.
Thomas will start on Aug. 29 and assume the CEO role in the fourth quarter, succeeding Lynn Minges, who has had the job since 2012. Minges will retire on Dec. 31 and be a strategic adviser to Thomas into 2026.
“Allen’s exceptional record of executive leadership, public service and entrepreneurial vision makes him the ideal leader for NCRLA’s future,” Jason Smith, who chairs the association’s board, said in a release. He owns Raleigh-based 18 Restaurant Group. “He brings the right mix of leadership, advocacy and strategic insight to build on the association’s success and guide it and the hospitality industry into a new era.”
Thomas most recently served in the Biden Administration as regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s southeast division, including North Carolina. He previously was mayor of Greenville for three terms, and was executive director of the North Carolina Global TransPark in Kinston.
“The hospitality industry is a catalyst for North Carolina’s economy, our people, our culture and communities,” Thomas said. “I’m honored to lead, working hand in hand with our great business owners and professionals across the state continuing our growth, new opportunities and progress, ready to meet all the future holds.”
Amber Moshakos of Raleigh-based LM Restaurant Group chaired the search committee.
The association had revenue of about $767,000 in 2023, according to its latest tax filing. Minges’ compensation totaled about $380,000.
David Mildenberg is editor of Business North Carolina. Reach him at dmildenberg@businessnc.com.