Nate Harris is the new CEO of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association.
Harris, of Springfield, replaces Josh Sharp as the leader of IFRA. Sharp left IFRA for another advocacy leadership role in early July after five years as CEO.
Harris joins the
IFRA from the Health Care Council of Illinois, where he served as legislative
director for the membership association representing skilled nursing
facilities. Before that role, Harris worked for the Illinois Senate Democratic
Caucus for seven years in various political and state legislative roles.
He is a graduate of
Augustana College and Loyola University of Chicago Law School and grew up in
Western Springs in Chicago’s western suburbs where he still has family. He now lives in Springfield with his wife, son and two dogs.
Harris said he is
excited for the opportunity to lead IFRA as it works to build on the important
changes under Sharp’s leadership to help advance the policy priorities and support
for petroleum marketers and convenience store owners.
“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.”
Sharp joined IFRA
in 2019 and led the organization through a branding and structural transition
to IFRA. He replaced longtime association leader Bill Fleischli, who retired
from the Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association and Illinois Association of
Convenience Stores after more than 25 years.
IFRA board president John McGovern said the latest leadership transition is bittersweet
but an exciting new chapter 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 industry. We are eager to work with him to lead this organization at a
critical time for our businesses and the state of Illinois.”
