The National Retail Federation has selected Matt Shay as the organization’s next president and CEO. Shay will be elected formally at the June 22 NRF board meeting.

Previously president and CEO of the International Franchise Association, Shay succeeds Tracy Mullin, who is retiring after 17 years at the Washington-based trade group’s helm.

“Matt brings a deep level of knowledge and experience that will be very beneficial to NRF and its members,” said chairman Terry Lundgren, who is also the chairman, president and CEO of Macy’s, Inc. “He has the leadership skills, energy and enthusiasm necessary to guide this organization confidently into the future.”

Shay began his career at the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants. He joined the IFA in 1993, where he held several positions of increasing responsibility, including VP and director of government relations, SVP and chief counsel, and EVP and COO. He became IFA president in 2004, adding the title of CEO three years later.

“Retail is the lifeblood of our economy, and with the challenges we face on Capitol Hill, the stakes have never been higher,” noted Shay.

The Washington-based IFA represents more than 1,300 franchise companies worldwide, including several retail firms.

The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association, with membership comprising all retail formats and channels of distribution, including department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, independent stores, chain restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores, along with the industry’s key trading partners of retail goods and services.