Trade group’s director resigns

Alana Roberts

Thursday, May 19, 2005 | 10:43 a.m.

The Nevada Restaurant Association's founding executive director has resigned from the group, saying he is leaving after a mutual decision made with the trade and lobbying group.

Van Heffner, who helped found the Nevada Restaurant Association in 1982, has resigned as the group's executive director as the result of a "mutual" decision between him and the group's board of directors. Sam McMullen, a lobbyist for various business interest groups in Nevada, will act as interim executive director starting June 1 while the group searches for a new executive director.

Heffner, who was reached on his cell phone in Washington, declined to comment, referring to the comments he made in a press release. He said in the press release that he is proud of the growth the Nevada Restaurant Association has had since its inception.

"The Nevada Restaurant Association board of directors and the staff provided by Heffner & Associates Inc. have both agreed that it is in their mutual best interests to pursue other professional opportunities and interests," Heffner said in the release.

The group's headquarters will be moved from its location at 2901 El Camino Ave. to offices at 1500 E. Tropicana Ave.

McMullen is president of The McMullen Strategic Group, a legal consulting firm, and he is owner of the Law Offices of Samuel P. McMullen Esq.

Michael Coward, chairman of the Nevada Restaurant Association, said the group has been happy with the work Heffner has done for the organization. However, he said the group would like an executive director that works only for that organization. Heffner is also president and CEO of the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association.

"The thing we're looking for is an executive director that would be able to focus solely on the Nevada Restaurant Association," Coward said. "It was difficult for him to split his time to concentrate on the growing needs of the Nevada Restaurant Association. You can't eat anywhere better than here in Nevada. We need to service our members better by providing governmental affairs, lobbying efforts as well as educational and member services."