Joseph R. Lee
Living Tribute Fund
Established 2005
Joseph R. Lee served as the chairman and first chief executive officer of Darden Restaurants after the company split from General Mills. Mr. Lee started his career at General Mills in 1967 as a member of Red Lobster’s founding team and manager of the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida. He then became CEO of the chain. Mr. Lee later served as the president of the National Restaurant Association.
Reston, VA – March 26, 2026 – The National Fisheries Institute’s (NFI) Future Leader (FL) Alumni raised $14,000 during their annual networking event held at Seafood Expo North America (SENA). Proceeds from the event will support the Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) as well as the Wallace R. “Wally” Stevens Living Tribute Fund, both of… Read more »
The Seafood Industry Research Fund (SIRF) Board of Directors hosted the 12th Annual SIRF Benefit Soirée on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The elegant evening celebrated our shared commitment to advancing the seafood industry’s future through innovation and research. The night began with a cocktail reception at 7:15… Read more »
