The Alabama Retail Association is about to get its third president since the organization first began in 1943.

The ARA Board of Directors has selected Alison Hosp, the association’s senior vice president and the leader of its government relations operation, to succeed longtime President and CEO Rick Brown, who will retire at the end of this year after 37 years with the organization.

Hosp takes over on January 1.

Current ARA Vice President Brett Johnson will become the association’s chief executive officer. Johnson already succeeded Brown in 2025 as fund administrator of Alabama Retail Comp, the association’s self-insured workers’ compensation fund.

Hosp has spent more than 25 years at ARA.

She joined in 2001 as communications director, became vice president in 2005 and senior vice president in 2024. In her current role she leads the association’s advocacy before the Alabama Legislature and Congress on behalf of retailers, the largest segment of private employers in the state.

“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 ARA 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.”

“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 vice president before the board picked him as its second president in 2005.

According to the group, since then, membership has grown from roughly 200 members to 4,500 independent merchants and national companies today.

“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.”

Founded in 1943, the Alabama Retail Association represents retailers before the Alabama Legislature and the U.S. Congress and negotiates benefits and services for its members, whose sales of food, clothing, furniture and medicine touch nearly every part of daily life in the state.