Jai Girard, PhD.
Director of Education & Workforce Development
Dr. Jai Girard serves as Director of Education and Workforce Development for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association Foundation, where she leads statewide initiatives focused on workforce development, career and technical education, registered apprenticeship, work-based learning, and industry engagement. She also serves as Virginia’s ProStart® Coordinator, working with educators, employers, and workforce partners to strengthen hospitality career pathways and expand opportunities for students and emerging professionals.
Dr. Girard earned her Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University, where her research examined consumer behavior and sustainability within hospitality and tourism. Her work focuses on building innovative partnerships between education and industry, developing scalable workforce solutions, and creating meaningful pathways that connect students and job seekers with careers in hospitality and tourism.