RILA's Michael Hanson, RILA Public Affairs Lead, Retiring
RILA Promotes Jensen and Armstrong to Policy Leads
- Washington, DC
- 06/04/2025
Having joined RILA in December 2019, Mr. Hanson quickly became a cornerstone of the association’s public affairs efforts as the industry responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, RILA’s public affairs delivered important victories for retailers, including the passage of the INFORM Consumers Act to help combat organized retail crime and preventing an increase to the corporate tax rate.
“Michael’s dedication to advancing the retail industry has been unparalleled,” said Brian Dodge, RILA President & CEO. “His strategic guidance and unwavering focus on the issues that matter most to our members have helped position RILA as an influential voice for leading retailers. While we will deeply miss his expertise, we wish he and his wife Annie all the best as they begin an exciting new chapter in their lives together.”
Throughout his career, Mr. Hanson has been an advocate for innovation and collaboration, consistently working to build bridges between policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders. His contributions have not only strengthened RILA but have also positively influenced the broader retail landscape.
“I can’t thank Brian enough for giving me the opportunity to work at RILA and be part of this amazing association and its member companies,” said Hanson. “I will always cherish the friendships, the laughter and successes that happen every day at RILA. I am grateful that I got to be part of a wonderful team of colleagues, and I will miss every one of them. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know RILA’s positive impact on the retail industry will grow stronger every day, month and year because it is a one of a kind place with the best people doing great things.”
As a result of this planned transition, Austen Jensen, executive vice president, government affairs will replace Mr. Hanson and step into the role of senior executive vice president, public affairs. And Evan Armstrong will be promoted to senior vice president and assume Jensen’s role leading the government affairs team.
“Austen Jensen and Evan Armstrong have both demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to RILA’s mission throughout their tenure,” said Dodge. “Their expertise and vision will undoubtedly strengthen our advocacy efforts and ensure that RILA continues to be a trusted voice for the retail industry.”
Mr. Jensen has been with RILA for nearly a decade and led the federal government affairs team since 2019. Prior to joining RILA, Mr. Jensen spent more than a decade working in the U.S. House of Representatives. Austen finished out his time on Capitol Hill as chief of staff for Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC). Mr. Armstrong joined RILA in 2016 and over the past nine years lead RILA’s advocacy efforts related to workforce and employment issues before Congress and federal agencies. Prior to joining RILA, Mr. Armstrong served in a variety of roles on Capitol Hill, including as Legislative Counsel to Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI).
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