RILA President Sandy Kennedy Announces Retirement

After 17 wonderful years as President of RILA, I will be retiring at the end of this year.

Serving leading retailers during this period of unprecedented change has been the opportunity of a lifetime. Every year seemed to bring a new set of challenges, and yet there are very few industries that can point to the kind of success we’ve shared while navigating the political and economic tides. From card check and Efairness, to swipe fees and the BAT—there never seemed to be a dull moment. But more often than not, we came through with the win.

While I am looking forward to retirement, I will certainly miss these challenges. Even more, I will miss the many people with whom I have worked, including the incredible leaders who have served on our Board of Directors and the executives who participate in RILA’s many unique communities.

But most of all I will miss the incredibly talented and diverse RILA team. I have been honored to call them my colleagues and friends, and know that they will continue to shape and serve the industry for the better.
 

This year RILA refreshed its brand, launched a new website and moved our offices just blocks from Capitol Hill, all to raise RILA’s profile and showcase the companies we represent. It’s been a year of change, one designed to prepare RILA for the future. I am confident that RILA is positioned for success and will continue to be the premier advocate for leading retailers. Linked is a press release announcing my retirement and that RILA’s COO, Brian Dodge, will take over in January. I couldn’t be happier that our Board of Directors has chosen Brian to lead RILA and take it to the next level. He understands the unique needs of our members and I am confident that he will represent the organization and the industry with distinction.