The state organization representing gas stations and convenience stores has a new leader.
The Illinois Fuel and Retail Association announced it has hired Nate Harris as its new CEO, based out of its Springfield office. Harris, of Springfield, replaces Josh Sharp. Sharp led the IFRA for five years before taking a new advocacy leadership role with another organization in early July. Before he was CEO of the IFRA, Sharp led lobbying efforts for the Illinois Press Association on behalf of the state’s newspapers.
Harris comes to the IFRA from the Health Care Council of Illinois, where he had served as legislative director helping advocate for skilled nursing facilities. Before then, he worked for the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus in several political and state legislative roles.
He graduated from Augustana College and Loyola University of Chicago Law School. Harris is a native of Western Springs near Chicago, and lives in the capital city with his wife, son, and two dogs.
IFRA represents more than 500 gas stations, convenience stores and other members of the petroleum distribution industry. Harris said he is looking forward to build on the groundwork laid by Sharp to effectively advocate for IFRA members and their customers, which included a branding transition from the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association and Illinois Association of Convenience Stores to the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association.
“I look forward to meeting the IFRA members and learning about their unique business challenges,” Harris said. “The opportunity to advocate for the association in this political and economic environment is one I look forward to taking on with the current IFRA team.”
IFRA Board President John McGovern said Harris’ appointment comes at an important time of transition for the organization.
“Josh has done a great job leading our team and has become a friend over the last five years,” said McGovern. “We are sorry to see him leave but we look forward to working with Nate as we build our relationship.
“Nate is an experienced, confident leader and strong communicator who will help us best position our voice to influence public policy decisions that directly affect our store operations, our workers and our customers. We are eager to work with him to lead this organization at a critical time for our businesses and the state of Illinois.”
For more on the IFRA, visit: https://www.fuelingillinois.com/.
