Noteworthy: John Graf this month became chairman of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. Graf has been head of the association's local chapter, as well as state treasurer and vice chairman.
Occupation: Graf is president and CEO of Priory Hospitality Inc., which includes Priory Fine Pastries, a bakery; The Priory Hotel; Pittsburgh's Grand Hall, a wedding and banquet venue connected to the hotel; and Priory Hotel Consulting. All are in the North Side.
Age: 51
Residence: Ben Avon
Family: Wife, Suzanne; children Laura, 21; Will, 20; Max, 19, and Charlie, 13
Education: Graf graduated from Avonworth High School in 1982. He earned a degree in business administration from Georgetown University in 1986 and a law degree from University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1990.
Background: Graf took over the family business of the Priory in 2002. Before that, he was an attorney at Tucker Arensberg, Downtown.
Quote: “I'm really proud of the PRLA because it's completely unafraid to take unpopular political stands. The organization has morphed from being the voice of the hospitality industry to being the voice for small business in general in Pennsylvania.”
