Restaurant Association Leadership Overview: An overview was provided of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), which represents more than 1,500 restaurants and bars across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Prior to his current role with RAMW, Shawn’s background includes hospitality—ranging from early exposure through family businesses to hands-on work in restaurants and interior design.
This shaped his later regulatory work in D.C. Additional leadership experience includes serving as Washington D.C.’s inaugural Director of Nightlife and Culture—a legislative role created under Mayor Muriel Bowser—and also working in the DC alcohol and cannabis regulatory administration.
D.C.’s Nightlife Scene: The Office of Nightlife and Culture was developed using New York City’s model, focusing on reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving communication between businesses and government, and demonstrating the economic impact of the hospitality sector through a landmark 2019 economic study.
COVID 19’s Impact on D.C. Restaurants: The pandemic brought sweeping changes to Washington D.C.’s restaurant landscape, particularly due to the long-term shift toward telework and reduced downtown activity. After navigating high-intensity government response efforts, a transition was made to leadership within RAMW, where work has continued for the past three years.
Hospitality Priorities and Tourism Focus: Key industry priorities include addressing labor shortages, managing rising operational costs, and stabilizing the post pandemic workforce. Tourism was emphasized as a critical component of the region’s economic health, with ongoing initiatives to promote Washington, D.C., as an open and welcoming destination. The relationship between nightlife offices and hospitality associations was discussed, highlighting their complementary roles: one focuses on internal government coordination, while the other leads advocacy and policy development for the broader sector.
Restaurant Advocacy and Nightlife Challenges: The discussion also explored the value of having both a nightlife office and an independent hospitality association. The association mobilizes stakeholders and leads external policy efforts, while the nightlife office aligns internal government processes.
Emerging issues in nightlife districts—particularly involving young adults in the post COVID environment—were examined. Expanding opportunities and ensuring government systems can adapt effectively were identified as key solutions.
Shawn Townsend, President & CEO, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), is the leading voice and advocate for the region’s restaurant and hospitality industry. In this role, he champions more than 1,500 member restaurants across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, working to ensure the industry remains a cornerstone of the region’s economy and cultural life.
Under Shawn’s leadership, RAMW has expanded its advocacy and programming to address the most pressing challenges facing restaurants today—including workforce development, immigration compliance, credit card swipe fees, and the fight to repeal Initiative 82. He has strengthened partnerships with city and regional leaders, driven revenue growth through strategic sponsorships and events like the RAMMYS and Restaurant Week, and launched innovative initiatives such as RAMW Select and Shawn’s Picks to enhance member engagement and visibility.
Before joining RAMW, Shawn served as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife and Culture in Washington, D.C., where he bridged the gap between businesses, government, and community stakeholders. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in shaping relief programs and reopening strategies that kept restaurants and nightlife establishments afloat during a time of crisis. With a career rooted in public service, business advocacy, and coalition-building,
Shawn is recognized for his ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and build broad-based support to advance the interests of the hospitality industry. He also serves on the board of Leadership Greater Washington, where he contributes to regional civic and economic leadership efforts. As RAMW’s leader, Shawn is focused on sustaining a vibrant, innovative, and equitable restaurant ecosystem that drives economic impact and strengthens communities across the metropolitan region.
