President of Retail Industry Leaders Association to retire; successor named
The Retail Industry Leaders Association announced that its longtime president is stepping down.
Retail and Washington, D.C., veteran Sandy Kennedy will retire at the end of 2019 after 17 years as president of RILA, the group said. She will be succeeded on January 1 by Brian Dodge, the current COO of RILA.
Kennedy remade the niche trade association, formerly known as the International Mass Retail Association, into RILA in 2004. Under her leadership, RILA has grown its membership, revenue, influence and stature in the industry and in Washington, D.C., and scored big wins for retailers on swipe fees, tax reform, sales tax fairness and other major public policy initiatives. Building upon this growth, Kennedy moved RILA’s headquarters in June to new offices near Capitol Hill to improve RILA’s proximity to the Hill and further enhance the association’s profile and ability to showcase its members to lawmakers.
“The retail industry’s experienced several cycles of profound change in the 17 years Sandy’s led this organization,” said Target CEO and RILA board chairman Brian Cornell. “And through it all, she’s been a strong advocate for the kind of public policy that ensures a level playing field for our member companies and helps us better serve the millions of American families who shop our stores. On behalf of our members, we thank Sandy for her many contributions to the retail industry and wish her all the best in her retirement.”
The new incoming president, Dodge, joined RILA in 2007. Prior to that, he served in a number of policy roles inside and outside of government, including serving as a staff member for Congressman Jack Quinn and Governors Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift. As COO of RILA, Dodge guides the development and execution of the association's public affairs strategy, working closely with Kennedy to identify industry challenges and opportunities while building consensus among member companies on strategic initiatives.
“Brian will hit the ground running as RILA’s next president,” said Ulta Beauty CEO and RILA vice chair Mary Dillon. “His background in public policy and industry knowledge make him the right choice to lead this important organization. Sandy has accomplished so much as president of RILA, and I look forward to working with Brian and the team to build on her success.”
Kennedy said she was confident RILA would continue to be an organization dedicated to the top public policy priorities and operational challenges of leading retailers.
“I am proud to have spent my career in a diverse and talented industry filled with unlimited potential and opportunity for all,” Kennedy said. “I know the industry will be ready to tackle whatever challenges lay ahead with Brian and a talented team focused on the top priorities of leading retailers.”
RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.