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Sally Smith

Smith is president and chief executive officer of Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., and has served in that capacity for more than 13 years. Buffalo Wild Wings includes 610 restaurants in 41 states. Smith formerly held the position of chief financial officer with the company.

Smith began serving on the National Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors in 2002, and served as treasurer prior to her current position as vice chair.

Smith sharpened her business acumen with experience at KPMG Peat Marwick, and 11 years at the national franchise company Dahlberg Inc. (now Miracle-Ear Inc.), where she rose to become chief financial officer.

Smith was named the 2001 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the Midwest region and 2002 North Dakota Innovator of the Year. She was also a recipient of the Nation’s Restaurant News Golden Chain Award in 2003. Most recently, Smith was selected as the winner of the IFMA Gold Plate Award in 2009.

In addition, Smith is chairman of the University of North Dakota College of Business and Public Administration Advisory Council, and a member and former treasurer of the Minnesota Young Presidents Organization and a member of the Minnesota World Presidents Organization.

A native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, Smith is a graduate of the University of North Dakota, with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and accounting. She also is a licensed CPA.