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National Retail Foundation Expands Government Advocacy Team
February 12,
2025 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
The National Retail Federation today announced it has hired Mercy Beehler to manage its state and federal policy agenda as vice president of government relations. Beehler joins NRF’s government affairs team and will 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,” NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French said. “Her extensive expertise in the retail industry, particularly in online retail and technology, will be instrumental in advancing our advocacy agenda before governments at every level.”
“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 returns to NRF from Alibaba Group where she was head of policy communications, advocating for the company before executive offices, legislatures and regulatory agencies at both the state and federal levels in the U.S. Prior to Alibaba, she served on the membership team at NRF, leading member outreach and initiatives focused on development, engagement and promoting the association’s policy priorities.
In addition to elevating Straczewski, NRF also promoted Meghan Cruz to vice president, 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.”