GlobeSt has named ICSC vice president of federal operations Jennifer Platt a 2021 Woman of Influence in the independent/non-business professional category. The publication’s annual list honors professionals making an impact on the business through their decisions and contributions.

Platt has represented ICSC on Capitol Hill for more than 15 years. She supervises political, policy and public affairs initiatives for the association. She is responsible for creating and implementing a bicameral and bipartisan strategy on capital markets, economic and insurance issues that utilizes association trustees, industry executives, research, public relations and grassroots resources. Platt also oversees the strategic direction for the ICSC Political Action Committee and key contacts program and directs and administers programs related to greater association visibility and coalition building.

She has an impressive track record identifying potential policy matters that impact ICSC members’ businesses, creating action plans around them, consulting with members and using her political skills to educate members of Congress on the need to take action, said ICSC Global Public Policy senior vice president Betsy Laird.

Notably, Platt led the Marketplace Fairness Coalition and managed legislative, legal and public affairs efforts that culminated in the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court decision on Wayfair, affirming that states could require out of state online-only sellers to charge, collect and remit sales taxes. This decision leveled the playing field between brick-and-mortar and online-only retailers, Laird said.

“Jennifer’s tremendous work ethic, integrity, political instincts and wide circle of contacts in Washington were never put to the test more than in 2020,” Laird said. “In spite of the economic tailspin that hit our industry, Jen’s leadership contributed to the introduction of legislation aimed at helping tenants [the Small Business Comeback Act] and CRE borrowers [the Helping Open Properties Endeavor, or HOPE, Act]. Members of Congress know her, respect her and trust her. ICSC could not have a better representative in Washington circles. I am thrilled she has received this well-deserved and frankly overdue recognition.”