NRF Appoints VP of Communications

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has named Katie Wilson VP of communications, effective April 9. In her new role, Wilson will oversee the organization’s industry efforts, a multitude of communication vehicles, and the advancement of NRF advocacy priorities on issues important to the retail community. She will assume many of the responsibilities of Ellen Davis, who was recently named NRF EVP and executive director of the NRF Foundation.

“Katie’s excitement about retail, coupled with her public affairs background, makes her an ideal candidate for our growing team,” said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the Washington-based federation. “As NRF continues to expand its focus on advocacy and communications, bringing in top-notch talent with diverse experiences will help us elevate retail issues to another level in Washington.”

Wilson joins NRF from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she was senior director of communications and strategy. In that capacity, she played a major part in creating strategic communications campaigns to advance the chamber’s jobs agenda, including the development and launch of the Campaign for Free Enterprise and the Project for Regulatory Reform. Before joining the communications division, Wilson managed all communications activities for the U.S. Chamber’s Global Intellectual Property Center.

Earlier in her career, Wilson was an associate at Gallatin Public Affairs in Portland, Ore., a Northwest boutique public affairs firm, and worked in the Office of the Vice President during the George W. Bush administration.