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Industry Advisory Board (IAB)

Background:
The “core” Industry Advisory Board for the College’s largest enrolled undergraduate program (and large graduate program) was formed March 2008.  This Board consists of global industry and government executives who want to participate in the vision for the College of Textiles and Industry. The Board meets two (2) times a year (fall, spring). 

The Fashion and Textile Management Program consists of the following concentrations:

  • Fashion Development and Product Management
  • Textile Brand Management and Marketing
  • Retail and Supply Chain Management in Textiles

Current Board members include: (seated left to right, standing left to right)
Steve Sheek, Manager Energy Products, Duke Energy
Tammy Lester, Economist, North Carolina Department of Commerce
Mark Messura, Senior Vice President-Global Supply Chain Marketing, Cotton Incorporated*
Kathy Reynolds, Vice President of Product Development, Spanx
Gary Simmons, President & CEO, Gerber Childrenswear
Jeff Simpson, Senior VP of Marketing Strategy, Harte-Hanks
Mike Restaino, Senior VP of Brand Management, Belk
Glenn Jackman, International Business Development Manager, North Carolina Department of Commerce
Dana Hughens, Chief Executive Officer of Clairemont Communications
Les Miller, Executive Vice President of Sales and Operations, American & Efird, Inc.
Sohan Mangaldas, Corporate Strategic Planning/Global Market Intelligence, Unifi
Brendan Sullivan, Vice President of Retail Services, VF Corporation
Steve Ellington, President and COO, Tri Vantage, LLC, a Glen Raven, Inc. Company
Nancy Webster, Consultant (former CEO Thomasville Furniture)
Matt Priest, President, Footwear Distributers and Retailers of Amercia
Ellen Rohde, Consultant (former Division President, VF Corporation)
Daniel Montaño León, Partner in Lippincott
Mark Fischer, Vice President of Wholesale Services, Polo Ralph Lauren
Sally Kay, President and CEO, The Hosiery Association (not pictured)
Doug Farmer, Senior Research Associate, Invista (not pictured)
Jim Booterbaugh,Vice President- Operations, National Spinning Company (not pictured)
Angela Allen, Vice President of Global Technical Sales Enablement, IBM’s Sales & Distribution (not pictured)
*Chair of FTM Industry Advisory Board

Role of Industry Advisory Board

  • Connect with Students:  Interface with industry and government personnel to enhance student and faculty linkages (resources, information, opportunities).
  • Advise Educators: Advise on program direction to strengthen and build program (undergraduate, graduate) offerings.  This will include advice on educational programs, identification of education and research opportunities, and support and assistance with business model and funding of the Textile Management Sciences Lab.
  • Enhance Visibility of the FTM Program: Board representation includes global industry leaders throughout the supply chain (fiber ->consumer). Recent formation of additional Industry Advisory Networks, located in key global communities will complement the core board and its role.
  • Visionary Planning: Planning for the program including educational and research experiences, TMSL laboratory, and other opportunities. Review the annual Department Strategic Plan, giving advice to the Department Head. Involved are sub-committees: Vision Membership, Textile Management Science Lab and Marketing.