Dr. Emily Williams Knight’s Ed.D., career is defined by her unwavering passion for innovation, her dedication to advocacy, and her ability to amplify the voices of others. Whether addressing global audiences, influencing legislation, or leading through crisis, she exemplifies what it means to be a transformational and inclusive leader in every role she undertakes.
Knight has over 20 years of global experience driving innovation and transformation across industries. Since May 2019, she has served as the President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association and Foundation, representing 58,000 restaurants that employ 1.5 million Texans and generate $106 billion in annual sales. Under her leadership, the Association has achieved historic legislative success. A nationally recognized speaker, Dr. Knight has established herself as a powerful voice for the restaurant and foodservice sectors, consistently championing policies to support the industry’s growth and resilience.
Dr. Knight’s career spans leadership roles in multinational organizations, higher education, and workforce development. As Managing Director of Higher Education North America at Study Group, she partnered with top university leaders across the U.S. and Canada to expand international student programs. During her tenure as President of Kendall College, a global leader in hospitality and culinary education, she expanded access to education in the U.S., Latin America, and the Middle East. Additionally, her work helped drive record-breaking tourism in Chicago. Early in her career, she held leadership roles at Pearson, Pizza Hut, and J.W. Marriott, honing her expertise in marketing, operations, and hospitality.
A passionate advocate for workforce development, Dr. Knight has collaborated with private equity firms, associations, and the U.S. government to create innovative training and certification programs. She has worked closely with industry leaders, workforce boards, and community colleges to fill critical job openings in the restaurant and hospitality sectors. Her commitment to education extends to her leadership roles at Les Roches and Glion, two of the world’s top hospitality schools in Switzerland.
Dr. Knight’s exceptional achievements have earned her national recognition. She was named one of the "Most Admired CEOs" by the Dallas Business Journal in 2023 and included in Nation’s Restaurant News’s "50 Most Influential Restaurant Executives" in 2021 and 2022. Her leadership extends to serving on several boards, including the Texas Travel Board, the University of North Texas School of Hospitality Advisory Board, the National Restaurant Association, and the Texas Business Roundtable.
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. She also earned an Associate’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Newbury College, where she was a Presidential Scholar and captain of the women’s basketball
team.
A proud daughter of military veterans and a former military spouse, Dr. Knight lives in Southlake, Texas, with her husband and two rescue dogs. Her twin daughters are currently pursuing higher education at The University of Alabama and Texas A&M University.