The Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA), which represents nearly 700 businesses, has named Scott Dolch as its new executive director, officials said.
Dolch began work this week leading CRA’s efforts in promoting, protecting and improving the state’s restaurant industry. He takes control of the organization just as it’s in the middle of a major lobbying effort to block legislation that would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2021.
Dolch has more than 15 years experience in sales, marketing and communications working for the Travelers Championship, the University of Connecticut, the University of Massachusetts Lowell and, most recently, the University of Hartford.
The association’s board of directors said it conducted a nationwide search to fill the post and unanimously chose Dolch based on his experience and passion to lead CRA.
Farmington-based CRA said it represents the state’s restaurant industry, which employs more than 150,000 workers and generates more than $7.5 billion annually.