Staff Reports
Rick McAllister, the Florida Retail Federation’s longtime president and CEO, is retiring at the end of this year. He’s led the FRF for 14 years.
Veteran FRF Executive Vice President Randy Miller will become the new president/CEO, beginning Jan. 1.
According to an FRF news release, McAllister led the organization to “unprecedented success, recognition and prestige.”
“It has been an incredible opportunity to lead the Florida Retail Federation for the past 14 years, and to meet and learn about the diverse retailers that are so instrumental in the success of our state,” McAllister said in a prepared statement. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated staff, and I’m confident that Randy will continue our success as he leads FRF in 2016 and beyond.”
Miller has been with FRF since 2004 as executive vice president. He’s a former executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue and was an association executive and a government consultant for various law firms prior to joining FRF.
“I’m honored to serve as the new president/CEO, and to follow the legacy set by one of the greatest leaders and advocates the retail industry has seen in Rick,” Miller said. “The respect and influence that FRF currently has not just in Florida but nationwide, positions us for continued growth and success as we continue our goal of supporting our members and strengthening the entire retail industry.”
The news release continues:
McAllister is only the fourth person to hold the dual titles of President and CEO in the 78 year history of FRF, and he has also served in the same roles for the Georgia Retail Association for the past three years. Under McAllister’s leadership, FRF increased membership totals to record highs and cemented its reputation as one of the most influential and effective associations in the legislative arena. He was instrumental in securing the partnerships between FRF and the Florida Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association and the Georgia Retail Association. Also during his tenure, for the first time in the organization’s history, FRF launched a private health care exchange which will allow its members to provide key benefits to their workforce.
“Rick has been instrumental in the growth and influence of FRF, and guided the organization through challenging times and economic conditions. Rick was a true visionary in the retail industry. The board of directors is grateful for all of his contributions and accomplishments, and for his distinguished tenure as President/CEO,” said FRF Board Chairman Sandy Fortin of S&J Sports/Play It Again Sports. “We are confident that FRF is well positioned to continue this growth and influence due in large part to Randy’s extensive expertise, leadership and relationships with key strategic partners, as well as the talented team and resources he has supporting him.”
A native of Louisiana, McAllister has over 40 years of retail, manufacturing, consulting, and association experience. His background includes retail chain store ownership, chief operating officer of a publicly traded retail company, a decade of retail consulting, and presidency of two statewide trade organizations. He came to the Retail Federation from the Florida Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Store Association, where he also served as President and CEO.
McAllister has a history of building and providing creative leadership to teams of executives and board of directors. He has won numerous awards including Volunteer of the Year for The Family Source of Florida and Campaign Volunteer of the Year for the Big Bend United Way. He served on the Boards of the Florida Retail Federation, Georgia Retail Association, Florida TaxWatch, Council of State Retail Associations, Florida State University’s Center for Retail Merchandising, University of Florida’s Retailing Advisory Board, and Visit Florida.
