WASHINGTON – The NRF Foundation today announced Adam Lukoskie as the nonprofit organization’s new executive director.
“As the scope of work for the NRF Foundation has increased in tandem with its growth and success, Adam Lukoskie’s leadership has been instrumental in building our career preparation resources and strengthening key relationships with our partners across the retail community,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “His passion and commitment to the next generation of retail leaders will amplify the NRF Foundation’s impact and will connect an even broader audience to opportunities within our incredible industry.”
Lukoskie previously served as vice president of the NRF Foundation. He succeeds Bill Thorne, who has held the top leadership role of the NRF Foundation since March 2020 while also serving as senior vice president of communications and public affairs for the National Retail Federation.
“On behalf of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors, we are profoundly grateful for Bill Thorne’s steadfast leadership over the last three years, especially during a critical time for the retail industry,” NRF Foundation Board Chairman and Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO Tony Spring said. “As we look toward the next chapter, we are excited to welcome Adam Lukoskie as he brings the knowledge, skills and experience to help the NRF Foundation propel future leaders in retail.”
Lukoskie joined the NRF Foundation in 2018 with more than a decade of experience managing teams at mission-driven organizations. Under his direction, the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up training and credentialing curriculum has scaled to a national program, providing hundreds of thousands of individuals with the skills they need for life-changing careers in retail and beyond.
In addition to offering its retail skills courses with high schools, community-based organizations, businesses and more, the NRF Foundation awards over a half-million dollars in undergraduate scholarships each year and celebrates retail leaders who are making a difference at its annual NRF Foundation Honors fundraising gala during NRF’s annual convention.
About NRF
The National Retail Federation, the world’s largest retail trade association, passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, contributing $3.9 trillion to annual GDP and supporting one in four U.S. jobs — 52 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
About NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation provides the skills and resources needed for a life-changing career. As NRF's nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and a great place to grow. Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities. nrffoundation.org