Florida Retail Federation names new president, CEO

Florida and Georgia’s retail trade groups are kicking off the year with a new leader.

Randy Miller has moved up from executive vice president of the Florida Retail Federation and Georgia Retail Association to president and chief executive of both groups.

Miller succeeds Rick McAllister, who retired after 14 years as president and chief executive.

Miller says he looks forward to “continuing the momentum and significant impact” the federation made under Rick McAllister” and strengthening the trade organizations.

The Florida Retail Federation has been representing retailers across the state since the group’s founding in 1937. According to the federation, Florida retailers pay more than $49 billion in wages annually, collect and pay more than $20 billion in sales tax each year and are responsible for three out of every four jobs in Florida.

Miller joined the federation in 2004. He used to be executive director of the Florida Department of Revenue and has served as government consultant for law firms.

Other changes this year for the Florida and Georgia retail groups: Melissa Joiner Ramba has been promoted to vice president of government affairs and Samantha Hunter Padgett is now vice president and general counsel.