RILA Hires Former Congressional Aide As VP Gov’t Affairs

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has hired longtime Capitol Hill veteran Doug Thompson to be its VP of government affairs. He officially joins the organization on Nov. 1.

Thompson has spent the last 21 years as an aide to Rep. John Tanner (D-Tenn.), and for 17 years of that time he held the position legislative director. In his former role, Thompson worked closely with the members of the conservative “Blue Dog Coalition,” which Tanner co-founded. Before becoming Tanner’s aide, Thompson was legislative director for former representative Ed Jones (D-Tenn).

“Doug’s tenure on Capitol Hill and his experience working on tough issues, place him among the most experienced and talented legislative minds on or off Capitol Hill,” said Sandy Kennedy, president of Arlington, Va.-based RILA.

At RILA, Thompson will deal with such issues as financial services and privacy, in addition to judiciary matters including organized retail crime.

“For nearly 30 years, Doug has helped shape policy and influence outcomes on issues of great significance,” noted Katherine Lugar, EVP for public affairs at the trade group, whose members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers. “His insight into the legislative process will be invaluable to RILA’s advocacy on behalf of the retail industry and our member companies. The wealth of knowledge and experience he brings to bear will strengthen an already stellar team.”