Bill Hughes Joins RILA as SVP for Government Relations

ARLINGTON, Va., May 9, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced today that Bill Hughes has joined the association as Senior Vice President for Government Relations.  Hughes, a 27 year veteran of Capitol Hill, will serve as RILA's top federal lobbyist.

Prior to joining RILA, Hughes served as Chief of Staff to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX). In that capacity he served as the Senator's top advisor on all strategic and legislative matters.  Before serving as Sen. Hutchison's Chief of staff, Hughes served as a Senior Manager for Government Relations for General Electric. Prior to that, Hughes was the Republican Staff Director for Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee from 2008 to 2009, and Staff Director for the Republican Policy Committee from 2007 to 2008.  

From 1999 to 2006 Hughes worked for House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-IL), serving as Policy Director beginning in 2001. In that capacity, Hughes was the primary liaison for the Speaker to House and Senate Leadership and the Administration on policy issues.

Earlier in his career, Hughes worked for the Senate Budget Committee, the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and the House Committee Transportation and Infrastructure.

"The retail industry faces many public policy challenges and opportunities that it relies on RILA to address," said RILA President Sandy Kennedy.  "As one of Capitol Hill's most respected operatives, Bill's unparalleled experience will further strengthen RILA's highly effective lobbying team."

RILA is an outspoken advocate for the most critical issues facing the retail industry. RILA remains at the forefront of the battle to bring long-overdue relief to merchants and consumers from excessive debit card swipe fees. RILA also plays a leading role on issues including e-fairness, organized retail crime, trade and supply chain, product safety and a wide variety of tax and workforce issues.

"We are pleased to welcome Bill to the RILA team," said Katherine Lugar, executive vice president for public affairs. "With more than a decade spent at the highest levels of government, Bill's exceptional experience and talent will be a tremendous resource to RILA and its members."

Hughes officially joins RILA today, May 9.

"I am excited to be joining such as well-respected organization and I look forward to working closely with the talented executives among RILA's member companies to address the challenges they face," said Hughes.

As an organization RILA continues to grow. Last week RILA announced that it has added Christine Pollack as VP of Government affairs focusing on health care and other industry priorities.

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.

SOURCE Retail Industry Leaders Association