Press Release

NRF Announces Promotion of Chief Lobbyist

For immediate release

"As NRF’s chief lobbyist, David is a great partner of many years who has done an incredible job with public policy efforts that support retailers and the millions of people they employ and the communities they serve."

NRF President & CEO Matthew Shay

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today announced the promotion of David French from senior vice president to executive vice president of government relations and executive director of the National Council of Chain Restaurants. Since joining NRF in 2011, French has led the organization’s advocacy strategy to advance the retail industry’s legislative priorities.

“As NRF’s chief lobbyist, David is a great partner of many years who has done an incredible job with public policy efforts that support retailers and the millions of people they employ and the communities they serve,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Members of Congress, administration officials and industry influencers recognize David for his extensive knowledge of retail’s impact on the economy and businesses large and small across the country. David leads a team that is highly respected by his peers and valued by our members for the ability to effectively engage with lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum.”

French has played a leading role in the most important legislative battles affecting retail, including swipe fee reform, organized retail crime, internet sales tax, patents, labor policy issues, tax reform and trade policy.

Most recently under French’s leadership, NRF successfully lobbied for preservation of the corporate tax rate and passage of the INFORM Consumers Act, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act and the Postal Service Reform Act.

NRF is the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, and as executive vice president, French will continue to lead NRF’s government relations department and the National Council of Chain Restaurants.

About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs — 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com

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