Shawn Townsend — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Serves as President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW).
Leads RAMW as the premier advocacy and business resource organization for the D.C. region’s restaurant industry.
Previously served as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture for Washington, D.C.
Instrumental in developing COVID-19 pandemic relief programs and reopening strategies for D.C.'s hospitality sector.
Focuses on advancing policies for workforce development, operational sustainability, and equitable business practices within the restaurant industry.

Biography

Shawn Townsend is the President and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), an organization dedicated to advocating for and providing business resources to the D.C. metropolitan area’s restaurant industry. In this role, he works to advance policies and initiatives that support growth, sustainability, and innovation for operators, chefs, and hospitality professionals.