NRF Honors Rob Karr with 2026 J. Thomas Weyant Award

WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation today presented the 2026 J. Thomas Weyant Award to Rob Karr, president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA). Karr was recognized at NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit, where retailers, industry leaders and policymakers from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the retail industry’s premier advocacy event.

"For more than three decades, Rob Karr has been a trusted friend, advocate and voice for retailers and their businesses, employees and the communities they serve," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. "His work through the years has had a lasting impact on the retail industry in Illinois, and we are proud to recognize him for his remarkable career and all he has accomplished."

The award, named for a former president of the Pennsylvania Retailers Association, was created by NRF in 1995 to honor individuals who devote their careers to leading state retail associations and advocating for the retail industry.

Karr joined IRMA in 1994 leading the organization’s government relations efforts and has served as president and CEO since 2014. During his more than 30-year career with the association, he has played a key role in advocating for retailers in the state and representing their needs before lawmakers. Karr serves on several state advisory boards and committees and served on the Board of the Council of State Retail Associations from 2014 to 2020, including as chairman in 2019.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award," Karr said. "This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of the entire IRMA team and the many Illinois retailers that I've had the privilege of working alongside throughout my career. I remain committed to advocating for these businesses and ensuring they can continue to succeed and serve the many communities that rely on them."

Recent recipients of the J. Thomas Weyant Award include Maryland Retailers Alliance President Cailey Locklair, North Carolina Retail Merchants Association President and General Counsel Andy Ellen, Retail Association of Maine President and CEO Curtis Picard, and Nebraska Retail Federation President Jim Otto.

NRF’s Retail Advocates Summit brings together policymakers and retailers of every size, from small businesses to national brands, to build relationships, discuss key policy issues and celebrate retail's impact on the U.S. economy and local communities. The 2026 Summit theme, "Retail: Powering America's Next 250," honors the nation’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people and businesses driving economic growth and community enrichment through retail.

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