About Us

Safeguarding Retail Interests Across Washington State

Retailers With a Mission

Founded in 1987 by visionary merchants, the Washington Retail Association (WR) has grown into one of the most influential and respected voices for retail both in Washington state and across the nation. Our membership is as diverse as the communities we serve, representing everything from global retail brands and regional chains to independent stores, wholesalers, and service providers.

Headquartered in the heart of the State Capitol in Olympia, WR leverages deep policy expertise, trusted relationships, and decades of advocacy experience to shape legislation and drive meaningful outcomes for retailers of all sizes.

We are more than a trade association—we are a statewide force committed to cultivating a vibrant, resilient retail economy that empowers retailers and enhances the consumer experience. Whether it’s championing pro-retail policies, reducing regulatory burdens, or protecting against threats to business vitality, WR is the trusted partner retailers rely on to protect their interests and fuel their growth.

How we Serve our Members and Industry

Value Based Business Practices

We are trustworthy, act in good faith and are transparent and honest in all of our work. Our members expect this of us and we agree they should. Though we have well-defined missions, we are approachable and welcome working with those who oppose our views. We believe that fruitful discussions of the issues result in the best outcomes.

Though our expertise resulted from lessons of the past, we’re always looking ahead to identify emerging trends and challenges facing the retail industry. Knowing where retail is headed helps us to make the best decisions today.

We strive to be visionary. Though much of our work addresses near-term challenges, we also think about the long-term, big picture outcomes of all of our work. We value combining the energy and needs of our members in our pledge to lead proactively and strategically.

The longevity of many of our staff members allows us to draw on a deep bank of knowledge and experiences. Our members expect us to be an always-on resource of information to answer their questions and address their challenges. We aim to respond in a timely manner and pledge to follow through to measurable outcomes that reduce risks and save our members time and money.

  • Trusted Advocacy
  • Forward-Thinking
  • Proven Expertise

Expanding Member Value Through Strategic Partnerships

Our State Partners

Our National Partners

Meet the advocates working for you

Team Members

The Washington Retail Association’s professional staff and consultants bring decades of experience in government affairs, public policy, communications, and business operations. Together, they represent a broad range of expertise dedicated to advancing the retail industry across Washington State.

Our team advocates for retailers and business service providers of all sizes, ensuring their voices are heard in legislative and regulatory discussions. In addition to advocacy, we provide members with timely updates on policy, compliance, workplace safety, and workforce training, equipping them to succeed in a constantly changing business environment.

renee-sunde
Renée Sunde President & CEO
crystal-leatherman
Crystal Leatherman Director of Policy and Government Affairs
rose-gundersen
Rose Gundersen State and Local Government Affairs Associate
kathie-davies
Kathie Davies Sr. Legislative Assistant
darren-gibbs
Darren Gibbs Finance Manager
amber-carter
Amber Carter Contract Lobbyist
John Engber Director, Retail Industry Coalition of Seattle
John Engber Director, Retail Industry Coalition of Seattle

Retail Leaders Guiding our Strategic Direction

2026 Washington Retail Association
Board of Directors

Opio Dupree

Macy’s

2025 – 2026 Board Chairman

Eric Douglas

Home Depot

Incoming Board Chairman

Krista Beck

Jerry’s Auto Supply/Piston Service of Wenatchee, Inc.

Treasurer

Andy Ryder

Shur-Kleen Car Wash

Member at Large
Retail Association Services, Inc. Board Chairman

Alesha Shemwell

Past Chair
Advisory Board Member

Blake Garfield

Bedrooms & More

Member at Large

Brenda Snyder

CVS Health

Member at Large

Chauncey Rice

Target

Member at Large

Deborah Herron

Walmart

Member at Large

Jerry Irwin

Brookfield Properties/ Alderwood & Westlake Center

Member at Large

Karin Holt

Best Buy

Member at Large

Lisette Torres

Lowe’s

Member at Large

Marisa Wulff

Mud Bay

Member at Large

Navdeep Singh

Westfield Southcenter Mall

Member at Large

Ruthann Goularte

Drees

Member at Large

Rob Jensen

Advisory Member

Building an Inclusive Retail Industry for All

Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Statement

The Washington Retail Association (WR) represents more than 3,500 storefronts statewide- from large national chains to small independent shops – that reflect a diverse community of employees and customers.

WR is committed to the principles of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment in which these principles can thrive.

We value all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, identity, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability, and that is the foundation of our commitment to those we serve.

Retro

Join Us

Renée Sunde

President & CEO

The Retail Industry is experiencing significant changes – a renaissance of sorts. Retail is not going away but reinventing itself with new technologies and new consumer demands.

Renée’s vision as the new President/CEO is to position WR as the premier retail association in Washington and advocate for the well-being of the industry which will ultimately benefit members, legislators and retail around our state.

Renée has over 30-years of experience leading teams. She has had several positions of leadership throughout the Thurston County region. She served on the Thurston County Board of Regents, Thurston County Regional Planning Council’s Transportation Policy Board and the Thurston County Economic Development Council. She played a key role in the development and launch of the region’s Center for Business & Innovation.

Prior to joining Washington Retail as President/CEO in late 2017, Renée was the Economic Development Director for the City of Olympia.

Every position has pointed her in the direction of Washington Retail as each included retail emphasis and community renewal locally and statewide.

Please welcome Renée.

Crystal Leatherman

Director of Policy and Government Affairs

Crystal is a member of Washington Retail’s Policy and Government Affairs Team in the capacity of Local and State Government Affairs Manager, a newly established position.

Crystal brings an extensive background in government relations to WR, with expertise in grassroots mobilization, fostering relationships between entrepreneurs and legislators, event coordination, and data-driven storytelling. Her professional journey includes tenure with the Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA), where she served as a Grassroots Coordinator and consultant. At WSADA, Crystal honed her skills in grassroots advocacy, event planning, and directing special initiatives. A notable achievement during her time there was the orchestration of the annual lobby day in Olympia, where she aimed to maximize legislative interactions for business stakeholders.

In addition to her role with the Auto Dealers Association, Crystal contributed to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families as a Data Governance Coordinator. She also gained legislative experience during her internship, serving two members of the House of Representatives.

Academically, Crystal earned a Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in political science and communications. She furthered her education with a Master of Public Administration, emphasizing public policy, and secured an endorsement in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from The Evergreen State College.

Crystal has been fortunate to travel the US with her husband while he was on active duty for the Army and has called Washington home since 2016. Outside the office, Crystal cherishes quality time with her family and enjoys movies and board games, especially strategic classics like backgammon and chess.

Rose Gundersen

State and Local Government Affairs Associate

Rose joined the Washington Retail Association in 2019, first overseeing the workers’ compensation Retro Program—a safety-driven service that rewards participating members. In 2025, she transitions to the Government Affairs team, expanding her advocacy in employment law, workforce policy, and emerging regulatory issues that affect retailers statewide.

Her background spans insurance, banking, entrepreneurship in both the private and nonprofit sectors, and three years as the Small Business Liaison Manager at the Department of Labor & Industries. She brings deep expertise in employment requirements and regulatory compliance, making her a trusted resource for members navigating Washington’s complex labor standards.

Drawing from her bilingual upbringing in Hong Kong and her nonprofit leadership experience, Rose also leads the Retail Workforce Initiative—an extension of WR’s Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) principles—focused on making retail career pathways visible and desirable.

Outside of work, Rose volunteers with youth and refugee-support nonprofits. She also enjoys mountain biking and kayaking with her husband whenever possible.

Kathie Davies

Sr. Legislative Assistant

Kathie Davies joined the WR Policy and Government Affairs team in March 2023 as Executive Legislative Assistant reporting to WR’s President & CEO, Renée Sunde. Kathie served in the Washington State Legislature as a Legislative Aid for five years. She worked closely with state executives, agencies, and the public on behalf of the legislature and various stakeholders. Her work included a variety of responsibilities, including detailed and in-depth research, project management, policy proposal development, document control, and communications with media and constituents.

More recently, Kathie served as the Executive Assistant to a state-wide association where she supported executive management, the board of directors, and member committees. She was responsible for coordinating and drafting correspondence and planning association meetings and events.

Kathie’s role as Executive Legislative Assistant is critical to the daily success of the executive management team and the overall mission of WR to provide advocacy for members at all levels of government.

Darren Gibbs

Finance Manager

Darren has witnessed the trials and successes of WR after working with the organization for 20 years. As they say, “He knows where the bones are buried.” He handles the details of the company’s financial transactions while keeping accurate records and ensuring payments are processed. Darren collaborates with clients and colleagues in a fast-paced environment. He ensures our day-to-day operations run smoothly. After extensive training Darren is now our guru and produces the company’s videos and podcasts. Be nice to Darren. You might just be in his next video.

Amber Carter

Contract Lobbyist

Representing busnesses in all areas of public policy before the Washington State Legislature and Executive Branch. Amber Carter is a registered lobbyist versed in a variety of subject matters.

She opened her lobbying firm after a successful career at the Association of Washington Business. 

Accomplishments include the defeat of billions of dollars in tax increases, passage of laws to promote jobs and legislation to require a four-year balanced budget. 

John Engber

Director, Retail Industry Coalition of Seattle

John is WR’s contract lobbyist keeping track of legislative initiatives in Seattle, which often precede similar statewide legislative efforts. He communicates with a coalition of Seattle businesses that could be affected by new laws and hears their concerns before working to negotiate terms with Seattle’s elected officials. He is the owner of John Engber & Associates in Seattle.