The Washington Retail Association (WR) board of directors met at Bellevue’s Lincoln Square this past week for our final meeting of the year. During the day-long meeting, the board reflected on the past year’s successes and set course directives and legislative priorities for the 2023 year.
Leadership met with Representatives Liz. Berry (D36) and Mari Leavitt (D28), as well as Senator John Lovick (D44), to discuss WR’s top priority issues. Seattle’s City Attorney, Ann Davison, and Police Chief Diaz also joined the meeting to discuss the growing issues surrounding public safety and retail crime.
The WR’s 21-member board of directors represents a strategic mix of retailers with a prominent industry presence throughout Washington state. Theresa Treat of Ben Bridge Jeweler was presented with an award acknowledging her outstanding leadership as the 2022 Board Chair.
The 2023 WR Board will be led by Kent Wilson, Director of Government Affairs with Target, and incoming Vice-Chair, Alesha Shemwell, Director of Retail for the Bellevue Collection/Kemper Development Company.
Arta Baharmast, General Manager of Westfield Southcenter Mall, and Brenda Snyder, CVS Health Government Affairs, were elected as incoming members to the board for 3-year terms.
From left: Arta Baharmast, Westfield Southcenter Mall, and Brenda Snyder, CVS Health
