Traci Dufresne, Manager of Hospitality Workforce Development, RIHA.

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) named Traci Dufresne its Manager of Hospitality Workforce Development. In her role, Dufresne will conduct all trainings for RIHA and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation, teaching multiple hospitality trainings including Coaching for First Time Managers and Hotel Boot Camp, coordinating the Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary Arts, Foodservice and Hotel Management program and organizing its yearly competition, among other responsibilities. Dufresne’s career in hospitality began in May 1998, when she was a manager for a popular local chain restaurant and its various concepts, a position she held until February 2014. After that, she worked as a manager and a trainer for Outback Steakhouse until joining the RIHA staff in 2021. Dufresne received an associate degree from Katharine Gibbs College in 1999. She is a certified ServSafe® and State of Rhode Island food safety instructor, a certified ServSafe® alcohol instructor and a certified American Hotel & Lodging Association instructor. “Traci has proven to be a valuable member of our team and an excellent resource for her colleagues and for our members,” said Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO, RIHA. “She has been integral to our mission since joining our team and has done a great job managing and coordinating our trainings while working to empower those looking to further their careers within the industry.”