Dr. Emily Williams Knight is the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA), a role she has held since 2019. With over 20 years of global experience in leadership, innovation, and workforce development, she has been a transformative force in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Dr. Knight's career includes leadership roles at multinational organizations, higher education institutions, and hospitality programs. She has served as President of Kendall College, Managing Director of Higher Education North America at Study Group, and held positions at Pearson, Pizza Hut, and J.W. Marriott. Under her leadership, the TRA represents over 58,000 restaurants in Texas, employing 1.5 million people and generating $106 billion in annual sales. Dr. Knight has achieved historic legislative success, including the passage of key policies to support the restaurant industry. She is also a passionate advocate for workforce development, collaborating with private equity firms, associations, and the U.S. government to create innovative training programs. Academically, Dr. Knight holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from Walden University, a Master of Science in Management from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration from Boston University. Her exceptional achievements have earned her national recognition, including being named one of the "Most Admired CEOs" by the Dallas Business Journal and inclusion in Nation’s Restaurant News’s "50 Most Influential Restaurant Executives."

Before achieving success as the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, Dr. Emily Williams Knight built a diverse and impressive career. She held leadership roles at multinational organizations, including Pearson, Pizza Hut, and J.W. Marriott, where she gained expertise in marketing, operations, and hospitality. She also served as President of Kendall College, a global leader in hospitality and culinary education, where she expanded access to education in the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East. Additionally, she worked as Managing Director of Higher Education North America at Study Group, collaborating with top universities to develop international student programs. These experiences laid the foundation for her transformative leadership in the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Dr. Emily Williams Knight built her fortune through her extensive career in leadership, innovation, and advocacy within the restaurant and hospitality industry. As the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, she has been instrumental in driving legislative success and supporting over 58,000 restaurants in Texas. Her previous roles include serving as President of Kendall College, Managing Director of Higher Education North America at Study Group, and holding leadership positions at Pearson, Pizza Hut, and J.W. Marriott. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, foster workforce development, and create innovative solutions has been key to her professional achievements and financial success.