The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) held its officer elections for fiscal year 2026 at its annual meeting April 14-16.
NCTO has elected Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles as Chair, and Jay Todd, CEO and Managing Partner of Service Thread, as Vice Chair.
See: NCTO Press Release.
April 3, 2026, Maria Silvester is retiring from her current position as a contracting officer in the Clothing and Textiles supply chain with eight years of service.
Read more HERE.
On February 14, 2022, the National Council of Textile Organizations reported that Jennifer Knight, Former President & COO at American Woolen Company, has been appointed Appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary For Textiles, Consumer Goods And Materials at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Thanks to Devin Steele at www.etextilecommunications.com for reporting that on Charles E. Gavin III’s generous donation fully endowed two graduate fellowships as permanent sources of textile student support, an important step toward the goal of endowing all existing Foundation scholarships.
Read the full story at www.etextilecommunications.com/070121
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection has selected Ms. AnnMarie R. Highsmith as Executive Assistant Commissioner and Mr. John P. Leonard as Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Trade.
Read more HERE.
The officials are listed below in alphabetical order:
Sirat K. Attapit
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Intergovernmental Affairs
Before joining USTR, Ms. Attapit most recently served as Director of Legislative Affairs for California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. She previously served 12 years in various positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, Illinois Legislature, and a think tank where she worked on a wide range of issues, including international affairs, trade, Social Security, and anti-poverty programs. Originally from Illinois, Ms. Attapit holds a JD and an MBA from the Illinois Institute of Technology’s Chicago-Kent College of Law and Stuart School of Business, respectively, and a BS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Jan Beukelman
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Congressional Affairs
Jan Beukelman is the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Congressional Affairs. Most recently, Mr. Beukelman was the legislative director for Senator Tom Carper. Prior to working for Senator Carper, he worked for Congressmen Jim Matheson and Dennis Moore. Originally from Kansas, Mr. Beukelman lives in Washington, DC.
Maíra Ferranti Corrêa
Digital Media Director
Maíra Ferranti Corrêa is the Digital Media Director in the Office of Media and Public Affairs. Before joining USTR, she was a Manager on the Digital team for the Biden-Harris campaign where she oversaw the production of campaign videos. Earlier in her career, Ms. Ferranti Corrêa was the Director of Production and Operations at Mythical Entertainment, having previously spent four years at BuzzFeed, a tech and entertainment company. Before diving into digital media, Ms. Ferranti Corrêa worked in television production. Ms. Ferranti Corrêa is originally from São Paulo, Brazil, and has a degree in Communications from Fundação Armando Álvares Penteado.
Adam Hodge
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Media and Public Affairs
Adam Hodge is the Assistant United States Trade Representative for Media and Public Affairs. He is a veteran communications strategist with experience advising several senior government officials and business leaders. Mr. Hodge previously served in the Obama-Biden Administration as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Treasury Department where he led the communications efforts for a range of domestic finance issues. Most recently, he was the Senior Vice President for External Affairs at Ariel Investments. Before joining Ariel, Mr. Hodge worked for SKDKnickerbocker and was the Communications Director at the Democratic National Committee, having previously served as a Regional Press Secretary. Earlier in his career, he served as the Press Secretary for House Majority Whip James Clyburn, on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and in the office of former Senator Christopher Dodd. Originally from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mr. Hodge is a graduate of Wesleyan University with a BA in government, concentrating on International Relations.
Ethan Holmes
Special Assistant to the United States Trade Representative
Ethan Holmes is a Special Assistant to the United States Trade Representative. Mr. Holmes previously served in the office of Representative Ron Kind in a variety of positions, most recently as his Economic Policy Advisor. He has a B.A. from DePaul University in philosophy, an MSc from the University of Edinburgh in International Political Theory, and received an Executive Certificate from Harvard University’s Kennedy School on International Trade.
Ginna Lance
Deputy Chief of Staff
Ginna Lance is Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Trade Representative. Recently, Ms. Lance was the Associate Operations Manager for the Overdeck Family Foundation, leading operations for the organization, focused on hiring, finance, governance, and strategic planning. She previously worked in the Office of then-Vice President Joe Biden, where she served as the Director of Scheduling and Deputy Director of Operations. In her role, she developed and managed the Vice President's strategic and long-term schedule, including overseeing logistics for domestic and foreign travel. Prior to that, Ms. Lance was Administrative Manager to the Chief Experience Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. In 2012, Ms. Lance was scheduler for then-Vice President Joe Biden during the Obama-Biden re-election campaign. She began her career at the Department of Commerce in the International Trade Administration. Ms. Lance holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.
Samuel Negatu
Director of Congressional Affairs
Samuel Negatu is the Director of Congressional Affairs to the U.S. Trade Representative. Mr. Negatu spent the last six years in the House of Representatives, most recently as Legislative Director for Representative Jimmy Gomez (CA). He also served as a staff negotiator for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) working group, addressing labor issues in negotiations between USTR and House Democrats. Prior to that, he served as Legislative Counsel for Representative Matt Cartwright (PA). Originally from California, Samuel received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his Juris Doctor from Washington University in St. Louis.
Greta Peisch
General Counsel
Greta Peisch is the General Counsel for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Ms. Peisch has served as Senior International Trade Counsel on the Senate Finance Committee for Chairman Wyden since 2015. Previously, she served in USTR’s Office of the General Counsel, including as Chief Counsel for Negotiations, Legislation and Administrative Law. Before that, she clerked for Judge Douglas P. Woodlock in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and practiced law at Covington and Burling LLP. She earned her JD from Yale Law School and AB from Dartmouth College.
Brad Setser
Counselor
Brad W. Setser is the Counselor to the U.S. Trade Representative, providing advice on a broad range of trade and economic policy matters. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Mr. Setser was a senior fellow for international economics at the Council on Foreign Relations, where his work covered global capital flows, financial vulnerability analysis, currency intervention, tax competition and trade imbalances. Mr. Setser previously served in the Obama-Biden Administration as the deputy assistant secretary for international economic analysis in the U.S. Treasury from 2011 to 2015, after having started the administration as the director for international economics on the staff of the National Economic Council and the National Security Council. Mr. Setser holds a BA from Harvard University, a masters from Sciences-Po, and an MA and PhD in international relations from Oxford University.
Shantanu Tata
Executive Secretary
Shantanu Tata is Executive Secretary and Advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative. Before joining USTR, Mr. Tata was a Senior Policy Advisor to Representative Suzan DelBene and served as her primary advisor for trade issues on the Ways & Means Committee. He also provided counsel on foreign policy, financial services and international tax issues, and previously worked at USTR during the second term of the Obama Administration. Mr. Tata received a BA in Government from Hamilton College.
Jamila Thompson
Senior Advisor
Jamila Thompson is a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative. A 19-year veteran of Capitol Hill, Ms. Thompson previously served as the chief of staff for Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District, deputy chief of staff for U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA), a legislative assistant for Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA), and a volunteer coordinator and translator for various non-profit organizations. Ms. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with International Relations and French from Goucher College and a Masters of Arts in Global Diplomacy from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). Ms. Thompson and her husband, Brandon Whitehurst, reside in Washington, D.C.
Nora Todd
Chief of Staff
Nora Todd serves as the Chief of Staff to the U.S. Trade Representative. Prior to her service at USTR, Ms. Todd was Chief Economic Advisor for Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). She previously served as Legislative Director for Representative Mike Michaud (D-ME), Senior Policy Advisor for Representative Dennis Cardoza, and Legislative Assistant for Representative Hank Johnson. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Todd received her BA in Political Science from Stanford University and her MA in Communications, Culture, and Technology from Georgetown University.
Mark Wu
Senior Advisor
Mark Wu serves as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative. He was most recently the Henry L. Stimson Professor and Vice Dean for the Graduate Program and International Legal Studies at Harvard Law School. While in academia, Mr. Wu served on the Advisory Board of the WTO Chairs Programme and the Global Futures Council for Trade and Investment at the World Economic Forum, and before academia Mr. Wu served as Director for Intellectual Property at USTR, a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, and an economist and operations officer at the World Bank. He is a graduate of Yale Law School, Oxford University, and Harvard College.
On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Senate confirmed Navy Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic for appointment to the rank of vice admiral and director of the Defense Logistics Agency. She replaces Army Lt. Gen. Darrell K. Williams, who relinquished command July 8 to DLA Vice Director Mike Scott and will retire next month. Read more HERE.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., USA, February 7, 2020, H. Kenneth Greeson, manager of Textile Chemistry Research at Cotton Incorporated, is the 2019 recipient of the AATCC Olney Medal. Greeson is being recognized for his work in durable press finishing of cotton. He has spent many years working with durable press chemistry—in particular, resin and cross-linking chemistry—and has made several significant advancements in cotton durable press technology.
Throughout his career, Greeson has applied and shared his knowledge of textile chemistry. His practical work experience, coupled with his textile chemistry education, have allowed him to make some significant contributions to finishes for cotton that enhance the fabric’s characteristics and prolong the usable life of the treated garments. Upon Greeson’s arrival at Cotton Incorporated, he worked with John Turner to develop the Tough Cotton technology, which provides abrasion resistance and improved tear strength for cotton fabrics. Turner originally developed this technology for woven fabrics; however, Greeson modified the technology to make it applicable for knit fabrics.
Not only has Greeson made important contributions to textile chemistry, he also generously shares his knowledge by mentoring and educating interns, contractors, and colleagues. His innate ability to describe, simulate, and perform complex chemical reactions, mechanisms, and application processes makes it possible for him to nurture and guide many future textile chemists, positively impacting their successes and achievements. While this aspect of his work may not easily be measured, it is another example of Greeson’s significant and meritorious contributions to the field of textile chemistry.
Greeson has been an active member of AATCC since 1982. Greeson has shared his knowledge through publications in AATCC Review and Textile Research Journal, in addition to serving as a reviewer for AATCC publications. In recognition of his service to AATCC research committees, he was awarded the AATCC TCR Service Award.
In addition to his service to AATCC, he is also the secretary of the Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC).
Greeson received a BS in Textile Chemistry, with a concentration in Polymer Chemistry, from North Carolina State University (NCSU). He began his career in 1981 at Collins & Aikman Corp. as a research chemist assistant before joining Cheraw Dyeing and Finishing/Cone Mills in 1982 as a technical advisor. He transferred to Cone Mills Technical Services as a Senior Finish Chemist/Chemist IV, where he stayed for five years, before becoming the manager of the chemist lab at Granite Finishing Plant/Cone Mills. Prior to joining Cotton Incorporated in 2002, he worked as a Manager in the Applications Lab at Sedgefield Specialties, an Applications Supervisor at Apollo Chemical Corp., and a Technical Services Representative at Stockhausen Inc.
The Olney Medal
Established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of AATCC, the Olney Medal Award recognizes outstanding achievement in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of chemistry of major importance to textile science. The award consists of a gold medal, a scroll, and an honorarium. Presentation of the Medal each year is a highlight of AATCC’s International Conference.
For a complete list of our esteemed past award recipients, visit www.aatcc.org/abt/awards/
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., USA, February 14, 2020— In recognition of her outstanding service to the Association, Debra F. Chronicle has been chosen as the 2019 recipient of the Harold C. Chapin Award for her dedicated service and outreach—locally, nationally, and internationally.
In her role as treasurer of the AATCC New England Section, Chronicle is a fiscally attentive and responsible officer. She has provided consistent financial guidance to the local section, and transparent fiscal reporting on the local and national levels. She volunteers tirelessly for section and regional events and encourages participation and service from members, as well as textile and design students in the region. She motivates her fellow section officers and brings a sense of regional responsibility to her peers. Even when traveling, she promotes the Association and the benefits of membership.
Nationally, Chronicle served as the New England Regional Board Member from 2015 through 2016. She was reappointed by the New England Region to continue her service from 2017 through 2018. As the New England Regional Board Member, she represented the New England Region on the AATCC Board of Directors, as well as the AATCC Membership and Publications Committees, Committee on Conferences, and Technical Committee on Research. She served as chair of the AATCC Membership Committee from 2015 through 2018. Also, from 1991 through 2010, Chronicle was a member of the Printing Technology Research Committee.
The Chapin Award
The Chapin Award was established in 1958 in honor of Harold C. Chapin, professor of chemistry at Lowell Textile School, who served as national secretary of AATCC for nearly 25 years.
For a list of past Chapin Award recipients, visit www.aatcc.org/abt/awards/chapin
Thanks to two brand new scholarships, AATCC Foundation Inc. will provide more funding than ever to students in textile and related fields. For the 2020-2021 academic year, the AATCC Foundation will award more than 35 scholarships and fellowships, worth nearly $150,000. Students can find and apply for scholarships through one easy online application.
The two newest scholarships in the AATCC Foundation portfolio are the NCTO Paul T. O’Day Scholarship and the Percy W. Woodruff Jr Textile Manufacturing Scholarship.
NCTO Paul T. O’Day Scholarship
NCTO President & CEO Kimberly Glas says, “The Paul O’Day Memorial Scholarship was created to honor a man whose influence and legacy in the fiber sector of the textile industry was revered as he served as President of the American Fiber Manufacturers Association (AFMA) for more than three decades.”
Since the 2018 merger of AFMA with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), the scholarship is awarded to children of employees at NCTO Fiber Council member companies. Glas says, “The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) is pleased to partner with the AATCC Foundation to promote this scholarship and select recipients with outstanding academic achievements who desire to choose career paths to support the American fiber industry.”
The O’Day Scholarship provides $5,000 per year to an undergraduate student, renewable for up to four years.
Percy W. Woodruff Jr Textile Manufacturing Scholarship
The Woodruff Textile Manufacturing Scholarship is named for Percy W. Woodruff, Jr., who was a non-traditional university student. Despite working several jobs, the only way Woodruff could afford to complete his college education was through the GI Bill as a WWII veteran and income from his wife’s teaching career. After graduating from college with a degree in Textiles, he spent his career in the US textile industry, retiring from Burlington Industries. The Woodruff Scholarship is awarded to other “non-traditional students,” particularly those in the Clemson University Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). Non-traditional students may be anyone disadvantaged by starting college late or in the wrong major, or any other circumstance.
Recipients of the Woodruff Scholarship receive $2,500. All Foundation scholars are also eligible for free registration and reimbursement of travel funds to attend the AATCC International Conference.
Auburn Manufacturing Inc. is a woman-owned manufacturer based in Mechanic Falls, Maine, producing heat-and fire-resistant textiles used worldwide by industries like ship building/repair, foundries, mining, aerospace, power generation and many other heat-intensive industries.
On both the state and national level, Leonard lends her voice to issues affecting the textile industry, ranging from global trade policy to regulatory issues.
WHO: NCTO President and CEO Kim Glas will outline key textile policies. Cameron Hamrick, President of Hamrick Mills and Chairman of STA’s Southern Division, and Matt Shannon, Plant Manager for Greenwood Mills and First Vice President of STA, will give opening remarks.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Madren Conference Center at 230 Madren Center Dr., Clemson, S.C.
WHY: Glas will present an update on textile policies in Washington, ranging from the status of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada-Agreement (USMCA) to Section 301 tariffs.
NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.
CONTACT: Kristi Ellis
(202) 684-3091
www.ncto.org
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has to announced the appointment of Kristi Ellis as the organization’s new Vice President of Communications, effective April 29, 2019, and Donald Vavala as the Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, effective May 2019.
As Vice President of Communications at NCTO, Kristi Ellis will assume responsibility for developing, overseeing, and implementing a communications strategy for the association and the domestic textile industry as a whole. Ms. Ellis brings 24 years of manufacturing and international trade reporting experience with leading publications such as Women’s Wear Daily and S&P Global Market Intelligence. The majority of her career, which includes nearly 10 years as Washington Bureau Chief for Women’s Wear Daily, has been spent reporting on textile trade policy matters. Regarding her appointment, Ms. Ellis said, “I am really excited and grateful to have the opportunity to help develop and shape NCTO’s communications strategy as we work to amplify the textile industry’s importance as a thriving and innovative manufacturing sector in the United States.”
As NCTO’s Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs, Don Vavala will support all association activities related to federal government procurement and industry regulatory matters. In this capacity, Mr. Vavala will staff various NCTO committees covering a broad spectrum of contracting, technical, and environmental issues. Mr. Vavala comes to NCTO following a 31-year career at W.L. Gore, a NCTO member organization, where he most recently held the position of Director, Military Government Affairs. He will succeed Hardy Poole, who announced his resignation from the same position at NCTO, effective May 2019. Regarding his appointment, Mr. Vavala stated, “I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Ms. Glas and the staff at NCTO. The textile industry is a major component of the economic backbone of this great nation and I look forward to applying my 31 years of experience to insuring that the industry continues to thrive and maintain its status as a significant contributor to our country’s growth and prosperity.”
The hiring of Ms. Ellis and Mr. Vavala coincide with the arrival of Kimberly Glas as NCTO’s President & CEO, effective April 29, 2019. In referencing these two new hires, Ms. Glas stated, “I am excited Kristi and Don are joining the NCTO team at this important time. They both have significant experience with the textile industry and a wealth of knowledge specific to their new roles. Most importantly, both have shown a strong commitment to the success of the domestic textile industry. We are very fortunate to have them join the organization in these pivotal leadership roles. NCTO’s membership will be well served by these important staff additions.”
NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.
Outgoing 2018-19 National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) Chairman Marty Moran delivered the trade association’s 2019 State of the U.S. Textile Industry overview at NCTO’s 16th Annual Meeting on March 21st at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.
Mr. Moran’s speech outlined (1) U.S. textile supply chain economic, employment and trade data, (2) the 2019 policy priorities of domestic textile manufacturers, and (3) other NCTO activities.
A link to his remarks as prepared for delivery are included in this press statement along with a link to a data infographic prepared by NCTO illustrating the current economic status of the U.S. textile industry.
Mr. Moran is CEO of Buhler Quality Yarns, Corp., a fine-count yarn supplier headquartered in Jefferson, Georgia with plants and/or offices in America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers.
The following individuals were confirmed as AAFA’s Board of Directors leadership for the 2019-2020 term: Chairman: Gary Simmons, Director, Intradeco Apparel, Inc. Vice-Chairman: Colin Browne, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Under Armour, Inc. Secretary: Sarah Clarke, Executive Vice President, PVH Supply, PVH Corp. Treasurer: Kurt Cavano, Technology and Supply Chain Evangelist, Infor Past Chairman: Thomas Glaser, Vice President, VF Corporation & President – Global Supply Chain The following individuals were elected and re-elected to the Board of Directors: Mala Brindisi, Spanx, Inc. Thomas Chubb, Oxford Industries, Inc. Richard Darling, Global Brands Group Kellie Davies Brown, Target Corporation Abbey Doneger, The Doneger Group Allan Ellinger, MMG Advisors Doug Freeman, Patagonia* Thomas Glaser, VF Corporation Edward Gribbin, Alvanon, Inc. Ed Manburg, Byer California Michael Mansh, Pennsylvania Apparel LLC Bruce Munro, Munro & Company, Inc. Joe Preston, New Balance Athletics, Inc.* James Schwartz, MGF Sourcing Gary Simmons, Intradeco Apparel, Inc Paula Zusi, Advent International Corporation *Indicates newly elected Board Members. Chris Alt of American & Efird was approved to fill a seat vacated by Les Miller’s retirement for the remainder of the 2019-2020 term.
Thomas Glaser of VF Corporation steps down as chairman following the conclusion of his one-year term. “The American Apparel & Footwear Association has provided great value throughout my time working with them, and it was great working with the team to move the association forward and plan for the future,” said Glaser. “I feel that I am passing on the leadership at a time of great strength for the association, and am excited to see its continued growth under Gary Simmons.”
“The apparel and footwear industry finds itself in a time of great transition, and having a strong collective voice in Washington and around the world is as important now as it has ever been,” said Gary Simmons, chairman of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “I am excited to take over the role of chairman, and look forward to a progress-filled year ahead.”
“Gary Simmons has been an invaluable member of the Board of Directors for several years now, and it is with great excitement that we welcome him as Chairman of the AAFA Board of Directors,” said Rick Helfenbein, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “Tom Glaser's leadership during the past year has resulted in several milestones for AAFA. From developing a new strategic plan to providing his expertise on our policy initiatives, he has left the association in a better place than he found it. We will be eternally grateful to him, and look forward to his continued input on the Executive Committee.”
Chairman – Leib Oehmig, CEO of Glen Raven, Inc. Mr. Oehmig is CEO of Glen Raven, Inc., based in Glen Raven, North Carolina. Glen Raven is an innovative leader in textile research and development, dying, spinning, weaving and finishing, and distribution and logistics.
Vice Chairman – David Roberts, CEO of CAP Yarns, Inc. Mr. Roberts is CEO of CAP Yarns, Inc., based in Clover, South Carolina. CAP Yarns is a specialty yarn manufacturer and a leader in developing unique yarns for the knitting and weaving industry.
NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers.
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists has named Patrick R. Gruber as the recipient of the Henry E. Millson Award for Invention for developing a green chemistry-based continuous process for producing polylactic acid fibers known as PLA. The Millson Award recognizes inventions that are outstanding contributions to textile technology.
Gruber is CEO and board member at Gevo Inc., specializing in converting carbohydrates into low carbon chemicals and fuels, lessening reliance on petrochemical sources.
Gruber began his career at Cargill Inc. in 1988 as technology manager in search of new business opportunities involving renewable resource-based products as raw materials. He served as Technical Director of Cargill's BioScience division from 1998 to 1999. In 1997, Gruber co-founded NatureWorks, LLC (formerly Cargill Dow, LLC), and served as Vice President of Technology and Operations and Chief Technology Officer until 2005.
Chemical giants had spent decades trying to find a renewable and environmentally safe raw material to make into plastic. Until Gruber’s discovery in 1989, no one had discovered out how to make PLA from plant starches with the right properties and inexpensively enough for large scale production.
A new fermentation and distillation process enabled cheaper purification, better optical composition control, and significant yield increases over existing practice. The patented process enabled a single plant, using a flexible manufacturing system, to produce different PLA grades for multiple markets at low cost while adhering to environmentally sound practices.
Gruber has received numerous awards including: The George Washington Carver Award from BIO, The Presidential Green Chemistry Award, The Discover Award for Environmental Innovation from Discover Magazine, The Lee W. Rivers Innovation Award from CDMA, an Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota in 2011, and numerous others. Gruber is the editor the two volume book “Biorefineries—Industrial Processes and Products,” eight papers and book chapters, and holds more than 60 US patents, with a number of others pending.
Gruber received a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Minnesota. He also earned an M.S. in business administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota.
The Millson Award
AATCC named the Millson Award for Invention for Henry E. Millson, a noted inventor who was head of dyes research for American Cyanamid. Millson, the 1958 recipient of AATCC's Olney Medal for outstanding achievement in textile chemistry, endowed the award in 1979 with the stipulation that he never be considered a candidate. After agreeing to that condition, the Association promptly named the award in his honor.
Award Presentation
The Millson Award will be presented at AATCC's International Conference in Fort Worth, TX, USA, at the Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel, during the Award Luncheon on April 11, 2019 at noon.
For a complete list of previous award recipients, visit www.aatcc.org/abt/awards/millson/millson-award-recipients
About AATCC: AATCC is the world’s leading not-for-profit association serving textile professionals since 1921. AATCC, headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, provides test method development, quality control materials, and professional networking for members in about 50 countries throughout the world.
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has announced the appointment Kimberly Glas as the organization's new President & CEO, effective April 29th of this year. Ms. Glas will succeed Augustine "Auggie" D. Tantillo, who previously announced his intention to step down from the same position at NCTO.
Current NCTO Chairman Marty Moran, CEO of Jefferson, Ga.-based Buhler Quality Yarns, noted that the selection follows a rigorous search process that led to her unanimous approval by NCTO Board of Directors. Ms. Glas brings over 20 years of experience in government policy development and advocacy. Her multi-faceted career includes spearheading manufacturing and trade policy efforts on Capitol Hill, serving as a key leader on behalf of the textile industry in the Obama Administration, and most recently leading a non-profit organization working to advance critical policies to grow quality, U.S. jobs in the clean energy economy.
"I am honored and excited for the opportunity to lead NCTO and to work on behalf of this innovative industry. I am grateful to Auggie for his leadership and all his support and friendship over the years and am deeply appreciative to the NCTO membership for this incredible opportunity," said Glas. "I could not be more excited about taking on this role. I know how critical this industry is to so many across the United States and the value it represents. I am thrilled to be able to work on its behalf to advance its priorities."
Ms. Glas most recently served as Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, a national partnership of labor and environmental organizations working to advance the creation of quality U.S. jobs in the clean energy economy. In this capacity, she worked closely with labor, environmentalists and U.S. industry at the intersection of energy, the environment and trade to advance common-sense policy solutions in order to help achieve a stronger economy and a more sustainable future.
Prior to that, from 2009 to 2014, Ms. Glas served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles, Consumer Goods and Materials at the U.S. Department of Commerce under the Obama administration. In this capacity, Ms. Glas managed three offices of nearly 40 employees and oversaw programs and strategies to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the U.S. textile and apparel industries. Ms. Glas worked closely with the United States Trade Representative, other key agencies, and Congress to advance a multitude trade policy interests critical to the U.S. industry, including advancing fixes to the CAFTA-DR agreement to help maintain and grow the U.S. textile workforce.
Ms. Glas also brings extensive Capitol Hill experience, having worked for U.S. Representatives Michael Michaud of Maine and John J. LaFalce of New York. Kim helped to initially organize, and then served as the key Congressional staffer for the House Trade Working Group, a key coalition of Members of Congress that works extensively on trade policy and domestic competitiveness issues to this day.
NCTO is a Washington, DC-based trade association that represents domestic textile manufacturers, including artificial and synthetic filament and fiber producers.
U.S. employment in the textile supply chain was 550,500 in 2017.
The value of shipments for U.S. textiles and apparel was $77.9 billion in 2017.
U.S. exports of fiber, textiles and apparel were $28.6 billion in 2017.
Capital expenditures for textile and apparel production totaled $2.4 billion in 2016, the last year for which data is available.
