The National Restaurant Association announced the hiring of Sarah Dolan as the newest member of the Association’s communications team. Dolan will serve as the Director of Media Relations, working with the communications team to expand the Association’s media presence as we engage on important policy areas affecting the industry.

“We are excited to have Sarah join our team at the National Restaurant Association,” says Steve Danon, senior vice president of communications. “Sarah’s communications and research experiences on the campaign trail and in state and federal government will help the Association build relationships and advocate on behalf of the restaurant industry. She will be a great addition to our team and serve as a resource for our members across the country.”

Most recently, Dolan served as Press Secretary for Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.). There, she served as the Senator’s on-the-record spokeswoman for national and Chicago media outlets. Prior to that role, Dolan served as the Rapid Response Director for Governor Chris Christie’s presidential campaign. She joined Governor Christie’s communications team in Trenton, New Jersey in 2012 and served in several roles including Deputy Press Secretary and Research Director.

Dolan is a New Jersey native and earned her BA in journalism and political science from Northeastern University in Boston.