AAFA Announces 2025-2026 Board of Directors Leadership
AAFA office Credits: AAFA The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has announced its Board of Directors leadership for the 2025-2026 term, alongside the election and re-election of board members, at the 2025 AAFA Executive Summit. Halide Alagöz of Ralph Lauren Corporation has been confirmed as Chair, with Joe Preston of New Balance Athletics, Inc. serving as Vice Chair. Katherine Gold of GoldBug will assume the role of Treasurer, and Danilo Amoretty of Carhartt, Inc. will serve as Secretary. Josue Solano of BBC International transitions to Past Chair. The board also welcomes newly elected members Michael Barton of Avery Dennison RBIS, Mark Burstein of Inspectorio, Gregg Meyer of Steve Madden, Ltd., and Avedis Seferian of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). Re-elected members include representatives from Under Armour, Gap Inc., Target, and Patagonia, among others, ensuring continuity and diverse industry perspectives. "It is an honor to take on the role of Chair," stated Halide Alagöz, acknowledging the AAFA's advocacy for the industry. Steve Lamar, president and CEO of AAFA, expressed confidence in Alagöz's leadership, highlighting her contributions to environmental initiatives and core value propositions. He also extended gratitude to Josue Solano for his stewardship over the past year. In addition to the board announcements, Kurt Cavano was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions and mentorship within the industry. This acknowledgment underscores the AAFA's commitment to honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact. The updated board composition reflects the AAFA's focus on navigating the evolving landscape of the apparel and footwear sectors, particularly in relation to sustainability and circular economy principles.
Halide Alagöz of Ralph Lauren Corporation has been confirmed as Chair, with Joe Preston of New Balance Athletics, Inc. serving as Vice Chair. Katherine Gold of GoldBug will assume the role of Treasurer, and Danilo Amoretty of Carhartt, Inc. will serve as Secretary. Josue Solano of BBC International transitions to Past Chair.
The board also welcomes newly elected members Michael Barton of Avery Dennison RBIS, Mark Burstein of Inspectorio, Gregg Meyer of Steve Madden, Ltd., and Avedis Seferian of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP). Re-elected members include representatives from Under Armour, Gap Inc., Target, and Patagonia, among others, ensuring continuity and diverse industry perspectives.
"It is an honor to take on the role of Chair," stated Halide Alagöz, acknowledging the AAFA's advocacy for the industry. Steve Lamar, president and CEO of AAFA, expressed confidence in Alagöz's leadership, highlighting her contributions to environmental initiatives and core value propositions. He also extended gratitude to Josue Solano for his stewardship over the past year.
In addition to the board announcements, Kurt Cavano was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions and mentorship within the industry. This acknowledgment underscores the AAFA's commitment to honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact. The updated board composition reflects the AAFA's focus on navigating the evolving landscape of the apparel and footwear sectors, particularly in relation to sustainability and circular economy principles.
