is stepping down after 25 years at the helm of the Colorado Restaurant Association.
Meersman is being replaced as president and CEO by , who was hired by the association last year as chief operating officer as part of a succession plan.
Meersman’s new title with the CRA is chief strategy officer, a part-time position in which he will work in lobbying and government affairs.
“I’ll be kind of a consultant and troubleshooter for the next five years,” Meersman said, adding that he’ll spend more time with family, golfing and riding his motorcycle.
Meersman also will work in a consulting position with the Council of State Restaurant Associations.
Riggs served for 14 years as executive director of the Colorado division of the American Institute of Architects.
She will help implement the CRA’s new mission statement and goals for greater involvement in industry advocacy, government affairs, member services and education.
