Fashion industry veteran and sustainability expert
Liz Hershfield will lead Cotton Council International
(CCI), the export promotion arm of the National Cotton
Council of America (NCC), as its
new Executive Director. Hershfield succeeds Bruce Atherley,
who retired at the end of March.
“Strong leadership and
innovative strategies are
essential to maintaining U.S.
cotton’s competitive edge,” NCC
President & CEO Gary Adams
said. “Liz is well poised to
enhance COTTON USA™
programs by communicating U.S.
cotton’s benefits, giving U.S.
cotton growers
more opportunities to thrive in
the complex global market.”
Hershfield’s specialized expertise
in sustainability, global sourcing, product development and
end-to-end supply chain strategy, alongside extensive
experience with U.S. cotton, will advance CCI in leading
the world to cotton’s next level through its COTTON USA™
brand and help drive global U.S. cotton initiatives.
“There’s never been a more important time to champion
U.S. cotton,” Hershfield said. “U.S. cotton has an incredible
story to tell—rooted in quality, innovation and an
unwavering commitment to sustainability, underscored by
trust earned through reliable COTTON USA™
partnerships. I’m honored to join the talented team at CCI
to bolster growth in demand and preference for U.S. cotton
across the global textile supply chain.”
Throughout her distinguished
career, Hershfield has spearheaded
supply chain and sustainability
initiatives for globally established
brands such as J.Crew, Madewell
and Gap Inc. She also founded
Green-ish, a consultancy that helps
businesses navigate the
complexities of environmental,
social and governance (ESG) and
supply chain management.
Her contributions to sustainable
fashion have earned her
widespread recognition, including
the prestigious Textile Exchange
Ryan Young Climate+ Award for
her pioneering regenerative cotton
program supporting U.S. cotton farmers. Hershfield was
also honored with The Lead’s “The Direct 60” award and
named to the Rivet 50 Index for her leadership in the
denim industry. In her new role as CCI Executive Director,
Hershfield will leverage her vast experience with U.S.
cotton and her proven track record in sustainable fashion
and supply chain management to globally elevate “The
COTTON USA™ Difference” of superior U.S. cotton plus
unrivalled partnership across the global textile supply
chain.