Long-time Washington insider named RILA's top lobbyist

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association announced that Bill Hughes has joined the association as SVP government relations. Hughes, a 27-year veteran of Capitol Hill, will serve as RILA’s top federal lobbyist.

Prior to joining RILA, Hughes served as Chief of Staff to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). In that capacity he served as the Senator’s top advisor on all strategic and legislative matters. Before serving as Sen. Hutchison’s Chief of staff, Hughes served as a senior manager government relations for General Electric. Prior to that, Hughes was the Republican staff director for Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee from 2008 to 2009, and staff director for the Republican Policy Committee from 2007 to 2008.

From 1999 to 2006 Hughes worked for House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), serving as policy director beginning in 2001. In that capacity, Hughes was the primary liaison for the Speaker to House and Senate Leadership and the Administration on policy issues.

Earlier in his career, Hughes worked for the Senate Budget Committee, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and the House Committee Transportation and Infrastructure.

“The retail industry faces many public policy challenges and opportunities that it relies on RILA to address,” said RILA president Sandy Kennedy. “As one of Capitol Hill’s most respected operatives, Bill’s unparalleled experience will further strengthen RILA’s highly effective lobbying team.”