MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Retail Association (ARA) Board of Directors has selected Alison Hosp as the Association’s next president, succeeding longtime President and CEO Rick Brown, who will retire at the end of the year after 37 years of service to the Association and the state’s retail industry.

Hosp will become president on January 1, 2027.

Hosp has been with ARA for more than 25 years, joining the Association in 2001 as communications director. She became vice president in 2005 and senior vice president in 2024. In her current role, she leads the organization’s government relations activities.

“Alison has been an integral part of ARA for more than two decades, and she has played a key role in the growth and success of this organization,” said Melissa Cross, chairman of the Alabama Retail Association Board of Directors. “She knows our members and understands the issues facing Alabama businesses, and she has earned the respect of legislators and business leaders across the state. At the same time, we recognize the legacy Rick leaves after years of service. He has guided this Association through tremendous growth. We are grateful for all he has done and confident Alison will build on that foundation.”

Hosp said she is honored to take on the role and build on the Association’s longstanding commitment to Alabama businesses.

“I am humbled by the confidence the Board has placed in me,” Hosp said. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead an organization that does so much to advocate for and support businesses across our state. Rick has set an incredibly high standard, and I am grateful for his mentorship. I look forward to working with our members and team to continue moving Alabama’s retail industry forward.”

Brown joined ARA in 1989 and served 16 years as the Association’s vice president before being selected by the Board as its second president in 2005.

During Brown’s tenure as president, ARA’s membership has grown from approximately 200 members to 4,500 members today. He has also served as fund administrator of Alabama Retail Comp, the Association’s self-insured workers’ compensation fund.

Current ARA Vice-President Brett Johnson will serve as the Association’s Chief Executive Officer. Johnson succeeded Brown as Fund Administrator of Alabama Retail Comp in 2025.

“Working for the people and businesses that feed, clothe and support their communities has been incredibly rewarding,” Brown said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and especially proud of the growth of this organization. Alison and Brett have been tremendous colleagues and leaders, and I could not be happier to welcome them into these roles. I know they will take this organization to new heights.”

The leadership transition will take place over the coming months, with Brown continuing to serve through December 31.