Michelle Dimarob Named RILA’s Top Lobbyist

Washington, D.C. – The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced today that Michelle Dimarob will join the association as Senior Executive Vice President for Public Affairs, leading RILA’s federal advocacy and public affairs strategy, effective June 15. 

Dimarob brings to RILA more than 25 years of experience leading advocacy on tax policy and other complex legislative and regulatory issues, building coalitions, and advising senior executives. She joins RILA from Surround Sound Strategies, the advocacy firm she founded, where she provided strategic government affairs and communications counsel to Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, and coalitions on federal policy strategy, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management. She also spent a decade spearheading federal lobbying strategy on highly-regulated consumer products and corporate tax policy for Altria Client Services, LLC. 

Previously, Dimarob served as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, working across a broad portfolio that included tax, trade, health care, and workforce policy. Earlier in her career, she spent six years at the National Federation of Independent Business, advocating on behalf of more than 300,000 member companies. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to RILA,” said RILA President and CEO Brian Dodge. “She brings a deep understanding of Washington, a proven ability to build trusted relationships, and the experience to forge effective coalitions. Michelle will lead a team focused on some of the most consequential issues facing retailers today, including tax, trade, and technology policy. We look forward to working with her to build on RILA’s momentum and chart new victories for the retail industry.” 

“Michelle brings the rare combination of policy expertise, strategic judgment, and deep relationships needed to lead in today’s complex advocacy environment,” said Heather Kennedy, The Home Depot’s Vice President of Government Relations and External Communications. “Retailers need strong, effective voices in Washington, and Michelle is exceptionally well suited to help RILA advance the industry’s priorities.”

“I’m honored to join RILA at such an important moment for the retail industry,” said Dimarob. “Retailers are essential to communities across the country, and the policy decisions being made in Washington directly affect their ability to invest, innovate, and serve their customers. I’m excited to work with Brian, the RILA team, and RILA’s member companies to advance practical solutions and strengthen the industry’s voice in Washington.”

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Media Contact: press@rila.org

RILA is the U.S. trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $2.7 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and hundreds of thousands of stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.