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WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation has strengthened its government affairs team with the appointment of Mercy Beehler as vice president of government relations. Beehler, who previously worked at NRF, will oversee the organization’s state and federal policy agenda and report to Jason Straczewski, who has been promoted to group vice president of government relations and political affairs.
“We are excited to welcome back Mercy Beehler to NRF,” said David French, NRF’s executive vice president of government relations. “Her expertise in online retail and technology will be crucial in advancing our advocacy efforts at every level of government.”
“Retail is an industry that impacts every corner of the United States,” Beehler said. “As retailers continue to enhance their customer engagement offerings, I look forward to working with our state and federal partners on important advocacy issues such as data privacy, technology, artificial intelligence, payments, workforce and other key issue areas.”
Beehler brings extensive experience in retail policy, particularly in online commerce and technology. She most recently served as head of policy communications at Alibaba Group, where she advocated on behalf of the company before federal and state lawmakers. Prior to that, she worked on NRF’s membership team, focusing on engagement and policy initiatives.
Alongside Beehler’s appointment and elevating Straczewski, NRF also promoted Meghan Cruz to vice president of advocacy and engagement.
“Our enhanced advocacy team, together with NRF’s policy experts, is positioned to provide support and close collaboration to our state retail association partners, retail business leaders and policymakers across the U.S.,” French continued. “At every level of government, retail is facing challenges and opportunities as policymakers seek to regulate data, AI technology and workforce programs. NRF is a resource and strategic partner in advancing policy solutions that enhance the retail industry.”
