Olympia, WA — The Washington Retail Association (WR) has launched a national search to identify its next President and Chief Executive Officer, marking an important milestone as the organization looks ahead to its next chapter of impact, innovation, and growth.
The search follows the planned retirement of longtime President and CEO Renée Sunde and reflects a thoughtful, Board-led transition process. Since December 2025, WR has been guided by Interim CEO Alesha Shemwell, former WR Board Chair, who was appointed to provide continuity, stability, and strategic support while the Board undertakes a comprehensive search for permanent leadership. The interim appointment was always intended to be temporary, allowing the organization to remain focused and well-positioned during the transition.
WR is embarking on a national search to identify a dynamic and strategic leader to guide one of the West Coast’s most respected trade associations. The next President and CEO will serve as the organization’s chief strategist, spokesperson, and operational leader, advancing retail advocacy, strengthening member engagement, and positioning WR for sustained success in a rapidly evolving retail environment.
“This search represents an exciting opportunity for Washington Retail,” said WR Board Chair Opio Dupree. “The Board was deliberate in establishing interim leadership so we could be both stable and intentional during this transition. Alesha has provided steady leadership, and her support allows us the time and space to conduct a thorough national search for the next leader.”
Shemwell will continue to serve as Interim CEO until the new President and CEO is selected, working closely with the Board and staff to maintain operational continuity and advance WR’s policy, membership, and communications priorities.
“It has been a privilege to support the Association during this transition,” Shemwell said. “I’ve genuinely enjoyed working alongside the WR team, Board, and members, in this interim capacity. From the beginning, this was designed as a temporary role, and I am dedicated to WR until the next CEO is in place, while also honoring long-planned priorities with my family once that transition is complete.”
To learn more about the opportunity, including role responsibilities, qualifications, and the application process, visit the WR candidate web portal at washingtonretail.org/ceo-search.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter through the portal.
