Member Biography:

Gene Vosberg
Washington Restaurant Association

Gene attended Monterey Peninsula College for two years and completed studies at San Diego State University; with emphasis on Business Management and Accounting. During both high school and college Gene, worked at hotels and restaurants, both in California and Oregon, in a variety of positions.

Following graduation Gene relocated to Northwest to begin a career in hotel industry, which included Sales and Convention Manager at Salishan Lodge on the Oregon Coast 1966 to 1970, General Manager at Port Ludlow Resort on the Olympia Peninsula 1970-1971 and Sun River Lodge in Central Oregon 1971-1973. Gene spent three years (1973-1976) as the General Manager of the Tyee Motor Inn located in Olympia, Washington.

In 1976, Gene became the Director of Corporate Development for Select Enterprises whose offices were in Olympia, Washington. Gene was promoted to Exec V.P. in 1978 and President of the company in 1980. Select developed and operated eight full service restaurants, primarily in Washington. Select also provided management and culinary teaching services for the New Market Skills Center located in Tumwater, Washington. The company was sold in October 1990.

From 1973 through 1990, Gene was an active member on the WRA Board of Directors, eventually becoming the Chairman of the Board in 1989. Gene resigned as Chairman and was hired as Executive Director of the Washington Restaurant Association in January of 1991. In 2006, Gene announced his retirement after completing over 15 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington Restaurant Association.