Renee Sunde leaves Olympia job for another

Renee Sunde, the economic development director for the City of Olympia has been hired to be the new President/CEO of the Washington Retail Association (WRA).   Sunde told city officials the news on Tuesday.

She replaces Jan Teague who is retiring after leading the state’s largest retail organization for more than 19 years.  “Jan has done an incredible job for the Association and WRA is well-respected by everyone,” Sunde said.

Sunde was hired for her Olympia job  two years ago after working for the Economic Development Council.  The move to Olympia was indicative that the City of Olympia was serious about economic development.   “Across the board, the city and the council have been supportive of our economic goals,” Sunde said.  “I’ve received nothing but support from Olympia leaders.”

But, Sunde also pointed out that economic development for Olympia is a challenge.  “The community has a wide variety of interests,” she said.

Sunde said her decision to leave her current job was an opportunity to step up to working at the state level.  The WRA represents more than 3500 store fronts statewide and manages an industrial insurance program for members.  “It’s not hard for me to understand the significance that retail has for this state and to what WRA does to represent those interests.” she said.

Sunde will leave her Olympia job mid-October to begin work at the retail association.