The Washington Retail Association (WR) is pleased to announce the promotion of Crystal Leatherman to Director of Policy and Government Affairs, effective September 2025.
Since joining the association in 2023, Crystal has played a key role in shaping the association’s advocacy strategy and expanding its presence at both the state and local levels. Her leadership has strengthened bipartisan relationships, built new industry coalitions, and positioned WR as a leading voice on critical issues such as extended producer responsibility, organized retail crime, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
Crystal has led numerous initiatives to increase member engagement and improve communications, including the association’s grassroots strategy and launching updated legislative resources for association member companies. Her proactive, collaborative, can-do approach has helped expand WR’s advocacy network, engaging public/private stakeholders from across the state of Washington.
In her new role, Crystal will oversee WR’s Policy and Government Affairs Division, guide legislative strategy, and continue to build strong relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities. Her promotion reflects WR’s ongoing commitment to strong, effective advocacy on behalf of Washington’s retail industry.
