Nate Herman has been promoted to executive vice president at the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) after serving as senior vice president of policy.
For over two decades, Herman has contributed to AAFA’s work in trade advocacy, product safety and corporate social responsibility, helping shape policy and representing the industry before governments, NGOs and other stakeholders.
According to the trade association representing apparel, footwear and other sewn products companies in the U.S., Herman’s efforts have “supported various initiatives, including the achievement of trade preference programs, regulatory reform in U.S. manufacturing, the harmonization of the THREADS Protocol, and the expansion of stronger intellectual property protections.”
Moving forward, Herman will collaborate with AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar to oversee the directives of the membership and Board of Directors.
“Our members navigate incredibly complex hurdles in their efforts to design, make and distribute safe, authentic, responsibly made, ethically sourced, and affordable products for U.S. consumers. These members look to Nate Herman for his expertise, vision, integrity, and reach in Washington. His natural move into this role is a win-win for the association and the membership”, commented Lamar.
I am delighted to have the continued trust of the AAFA membership. I cherish this opportunity to step forward in a meaningful way as we continue to highlight the contributions of U.S.-based apparel, footwear, accessories, and travel goods companies, honing our strategic priorities while drawing attention to public policy impacts on fashion’s contributions to the global economy. In this role, I will continue to map out and refine the core values and collective voice of our industry and our continuous path of improvement,” said Herman.
Prior to joining AAFA, Herman worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, assisting U.S. firms in entering global markets. He spent the final two years as the Commerce Department’s industry analyst for the footwear and travel goods industries.
This announcement comes as the AAFA celebrates 25 years since the merger of the American Apparel Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Footwear Industries of America (FIA) and the Fashion Association.
Images courtesy AAFA./Maker’s Row
