President-
Olivia Heyde
Olivia is a senior majoring in Supply Chain Management with a minor in Environmental Sustainability Studies at Michigan State University. She has been involved in Corporate Retail Association for 3 years now and loves seeing the passion for retail grow. Her favorite part about CRA is the NRF conference in NYC and the overall opportunity of growing connections within the industry. She loves the positive and encouraging environment CRA and the members provide. As president, Olivia looks forward to sharing her passion of corporate retail with everyone in CRA!
External Vice President- Patrick Gilgen
Patrick is a junior studying Supply Chain Management at the Eli Broad College of Business. This will be his second year in CRA, and last year he attended the NRF student conference and received the Rising Star Scholarship from NRF. Outside of CRA Patrick is a member of Phi Chi Theta professional business fraternity and was their DEI chair and PNM manager. He is also a member of Supply Chain Management Association and the Broad Leaders Council. Patrick recently worked as a marketing research intern for the International Business center. He is excited for the spring NYC trip and to make new connections in Broad.
Internal Vice President-
Emily Hassinger
Emily is a senior studying Marketing at the Eli Broad College of Business. This will be Emily’s fourth year in CRA and she is currently the NRF student ambassador for CRA. In addition to CRA, Emily is the apparel chair for Kappa Alpha Theta, and the lead student worker for the Eli Broad College of Business Dean’s office. She worked as an intern for Walmart this past summer in Arkansas. Emily is excited to grow CRA this year and talk to new companies to learn about what they're doing in the retail space.
Publicity Chair-Ella Couture
Ella is a Junior studying Marketing in the Eli Broad College of Business. Ella has been in CRA for two years and attended the NRF Student Conference as a sophomore. She is also a member of VIM Fashion Magazine, and a member of Chi Omega. Ella recently worked as a stylist at Bobbles and Lace in Portsmouth, New Hampshire this past summer, and hopes to continue a career in fashion/retail doing marketing or buying. Ella is most excited to use her position to grow CRA and make new connections with other CRA members. She is also excited to continue to network with new retail companies and gain experience for a career in fashion.
Membership & Fundraising Chair-
Leah Styers
Leah is a junior studying Communication Leadership and Strategy. This will be Leahs second year in CRA, and last year she attended the NRF Student Conference as a sophomore. Outside of CRA she is also a member of the Undergraduate Communications Association and the Communications Leadership and Strategy association at MSU. Leah is excited to grow CRA this year and meet more people through the club.
Secretary & Fundraising Chair-
Ryan Clark
Ryan is a senior studying Marketing with a minor in Public Relations in the Eli Broad College of Business. She joined the Corporate Retail Association as a sophomore and now serves as the secretary and co-fundraising chair. Ryan is passionate about creative marketing and gained valuable experience managing social media during her summer internship at Check Technology Solutions. She also interned for the Profitability Analytics Center of Excellence, overseeing content calendars and marketing initiatives. After her graduation in May 2025, Ryan hopes to work for a fun and creative company with a brand she is passionate about. Her favorite aspect of CRA is the opportunity to connect with other students and top companies in the industry.
Treasurer-
Liz Thomas
Liz is a senior studying Journalism with minors in Graphic Design and Arts and Cultural Management. This will be her second year in CRA and last year she attended the NRF Student Conference as a junior. Outside of CRA Liz is also an assistant for the Spartan Experience Record. Liz worked as an intern for Pink Whitney in California for the summer. She is most excited to meet with more individuals in the retail industry this year.