The Electronic Retailing Association (ERA) has named Julie J. Coons as its new president and CEO. Ms. Coons will lead the not-for-profit trade association, which represents the $400 billion direct-to-consumer electronic retailing industry. ERA represents more than 400 companies in more than 40 countries around the world.
“The Electronic Retailing Association plays a pivotal role in the emerging retail landscape,†says Coons. “Emerging technologies present new touch points for retailers to connect directly with consumers. Through its educational offerings, award-winning magazines and other publications and robust government affairs programs, ERA offers a path to profitability in the marketplace of the future for its members, while ensuring that the retailers are operating on an open and level playing field. ERA’s conventions—both in the U.S. and Europe—its government affairs conference, its e-learning offerings and networking events create a community of entrepreneurs on the leading edge of e-commerce with a unique vision of the future of retail.â€
Edwin Garrubbo, immediate past chairman of the board of ERA and president and CEO of Creative Commerce, was head of the search committee for the position. “We are very pleased that ERA will be led by an executive who combines an understanding of the potential of our dynamic and fast-growing industry with a proven track record in association management and growth,†says Garrubbo. “Ms. Coons’ government affairs background and convention experience make her the perfect candidate to head ERA. We are confident that her leadership will significantly strengthen ERA’s ability to be a critical force in advocating for its members and expanding ERA’s excellent slate of benefits to further serve its members’ needs.â€
Prior to joining ERA, Ms. Coons served as CEO of the Tech Council of Maryland (TCM), Maryland’s largest technology trade association with more than 500 members in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. During her four-year tenure at TCM, Ms. Coons improved the financial health of the association, streamlined governance processes and oversaw the re-branding of the organization.
Before joining TCM, Ms. Coons was executive vice president at PCIA—The Wireless Infrastructure Association, a trade association representing companies that develop, own, manage and operate facilities for all types of wireless, broadcasting and telecommunications services. Her time there was distinguished by the creation and growth of the pre-eminent industry trade show for the wireless infrastructure industry.
Ms. Coons is an active member of a number of professional organizations, including The Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum, Women in Technology and the American Society of Association Executives. She is also a director of Consumers for World Trade. She graduated cum laude from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., with a B.A. in economics and Japanese language and literature.
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