AAFA announces Board of Directors leadership and election results for 2020-21

Today the American Apparel & Footwear Association announced the transition of its Board of Directors leadership, and the addition of 18 new and re-elected Board members. The Officer induction took place at the conclusion of the AAFA Executive Summit on March 4.

The following individuals were confirmed as AAFA’s Board of Directors leadership for the 2020-2021 term:

- Chairman: Colin Browne, Chief Operating Officer, Under Armour, Inc.
- Vice-Chairman: Sarah Clarke, Executive Vice President, PVH Supply North America, PVH Corp.
- Secretary: Ted Dagnese, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Lululemon Athletica
- Treasurer: Kurt Cavano, CEO, Nimbly
- Past Chairman: Gary F. Simmons, Director, Intradeco Apparel, Inc

The following individuals were elected and re-elected to the Board of Directors:

- Chris Alt, Elevate Textiles
- Colin Browne, Under Armour, Inc.
- Mark Burstein, NGC Software
- Kurt Cavano, Nimbly
- Sarah Clarke, PVH Corp.
- Killick Datta, Global Brands Partners Inc.
- David Edelman, Kenneth Cole Productions
- Mike Faircloth, Hanesbrands, Inc.
- Oscar Feldenkreis, Perry Ellis International, Inc.
- Tami Fersko, Li & Fung LTD*
- Randy Fortenberry, Kontoor Brands*
- Mark Gitomer, Production Department
- Alan Luchette, Marc Fisher Footwear*
- Richard Price, Fruit of the Loom*
- Robert Rothbaum, Val D’or Apparel, LLC - Peter Smith, Carter's, Inc.*
- Harold Stone Jr., Renfro Corporation
Christopher Volpe, United Legwear & Apparel Co.

*Indicates newly elected Board Members.

Additionally, the Board approved substituting representation for two members. Sunny Tan will represent Luen Thai, and Josue Solano will represent BBC International for the remainder of the 2020-21 term.

Following the transition, Gary Simmons of Intradeco Apparel, Inc steps down as Chairman of the Board following the conclusion of his one-year term. “I am incredibly proud of the work that has been done during my time as Chairman to increase the industry’s engagement and preparedness,” said Simmons. “As my time as chair comes to a close, I am excited to continue to work with Colin, Steve, and the Board to address our industry’s challenges going forward.”

“AAFA provides the industry with unique value, as our voice in Washington but also as a conduit for collaboration,” said Colin Browne, chairman of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “During my term as chair, I look forward to increasing this collaboration on common industry challenges, from shifting supply chains to aligning and increasing the effectiveness of our sustainability efforts.”

“Colin Browne is a pioneer in the apparel and footwear world, and we are thrilled to have him take over as chair for the next year. His focus on increasing collaboration amongst members on pre-competitive issues, particularly with regards to sustainability, will have long-ranging benefits for generations,” said Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “During his term as chair, Gary provided incredible insight that added value and positioned us to grow member value in the years to come. I am incredibly grateful for all his efforts, including his role as a mentor to me to ensure a seamless leadership transition, and look forward to his continued input and guidance on the Executive Committee.”