RILA Elevates Three as Retailers Prepare for a Busy 2019

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today announced the promotion of three staff members in a move designed to prepare the Association for a rapidly changing industry and an ambitious public policy agenda in the new year. Brian Dodge, formerly senior executive vice president of public affairs will now serve as RILA's chief operating officer; Lisa LaBruno, formerly senior vice president of retail operations will now serve as executive vice president of retail operations; and Austen Jensen, formerly vice president of government affairs will now be RILA's senior vice president of government affairs. 

In his role as COO, Dodge will oversee RILA's public affairs, legal and compliance, human resources and administration, membership, and financial operations. As EVP of retail operations, LaBruno will lead the Association's asset protection, supply chain, and innovation communities; and as SVP of government affairs, Jensen will take a larger role in RILA's public policy practice with an expanded portfolio of issues. The announcements reflect RILA's commitment to leading the industry with a focus on innovation, advocacy, and education. 

"RILA is ready to build upon our tremendous record of success advocating and working on behalf of the nation's leading retailers. Elevating Brian, Lisa, and Austen's roles within our team recognizes the ambitious goals we've set for the organization, and we are confident that they will elevate our entire team as we tackle the industry's priorities together," said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. 

As the trade association for America's leading retailers, RILA convenes retail's top executives to identify emerging trends and solve for industry challenges. The Association advocates for the industry's top public policy priorities in Washington and across the country. This year, RILA celebrated the historic passage of tax reform and a U.S. Supreme Court victory that levels the playing field for brick and mortar retailers. Throughout the new year, the Association will continue to work with Congress and the Administration on promoting free and fair global trade and increased competition for their members and the industry at large. 

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RILA is the trade association of the world's largest and most innovative retail companies. 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.