RILA Names SVP, Government Relations
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has appointed John Emling SVP, government relations. In his new role Emling, who joined the Arlington, Va.-based trade group Jan. 27, will oversee RILA's federal government affairs team and political outreach program.
He succeeds Katherine Lugar, who was promoted to the position of EVP of public affairs late last year.
Emling's most recent position was deputy assistant to the president, office of legislative affairs, at the White House. In this capacity he led the Senate Legislative Affairs Team and was principal liaison to Republican and Democratic leadership offices, while also developing strategy for the implementation of the administration’s legislative priorities.
Before his tenure at the White House, Emling was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and worked in leadership offices in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and as a legislative affairs manager for the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).
"His reputation as a talented and thoughtful advocate makes him an invaluable asset to our organization and an effective champion for the retail industry," noted RILA president Sandy Kennedy.
"John brings more than 16 years of exceptional experience and expertise that will add to our already top-notch government affairs team," added Lugar.
The issues Emling and his team will take on are divided among RILA's core pillars of supply chain, workforce, asset protection, finance and environmental sustainability.
He succeeds Katherine Lugar, who was promoted to the position of EVP of public affairs late last year.
Emling's most recent position was deputy assistant to the president, office of legislative affairs, at the White House. In this capacity he led the Senate Legislative Affairs Team and was principal liaison to Republican and Democratic leadership offices, while also developing strategy for the implementation of the administration’s legislative priorities.
Before his tenure at the White House, Emling was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and worked in leadership offices in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate and as a legislative affairs manager for the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).
"His reputation as a talented and thoughtful advocate makes him an invaluable asset to our organization and an effective champion for the retail industry," noted RILA president Sandy Kennedy.
"John brings more than 16 years of exceptional experience and expertise that will add to our already top-notch government affairs team," added Lugar.
The issues Emling and his team will take on are divided among RILA's core pillars of supply chain, workforce, asset protection, finance and environmental sustainability.