Posted March 27, 2018

 

RALEIGH, N.C. – The SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) Board of Directors met on February 7 and approved the hiring of Michael McDonald as the new SPESA executive director to work alongside Benton and Dave Gardner until their retirement at the end of this year.

 

McDonald will take over full management of the organization in January 2019.

 

McDonald is currently completing his doctorial degree in Textile Technology Management at North Carolina State University. While studying for his doctorate he also served as adjunct professor, advisor for the Textile Apparel Technology Management Student Advisory Board, teaching assistant and guest lecturer.

 

Previously, McDonald was manager of Government Relations at the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). He was staff liaison for AAFA’s Product Safety Council, Government Contracts Committee, Brand Protection Committee, Financial Management Committee, Labeling and Transportation Mailing Lists. He oversaw a diverse array of issues as lead lobbyist, including product safety, intellectual property, military contracting, domestic sourcing, environment & chemical management, corporate tax reform, transportation & infrastructure, patent reform, labor, state chemical regulations, international trade and internet sales tax.

 

In addition, McDonald developed resources and tools to help member companies with regulatory compliance, including: Restricted Substance Lists (RSL), Reasonable Testing Guidelines, Regional Plastic Bag Restrictions, Care Label Guidelines, International Market Access Guidelines for 13+ countries and annual statistical reports on the footwear and apparel industries.

 

McDonald and his wife Maggie live in Raleigh. He will start as SPESA’s executive director on March 15, 2018.

 

Formed in 1990, SPESA is the largest trade association in the Americas solely devoted to the advancement of suppliers of machinery, technology, ancillary equipment, parts, services and other solutions for the development, manufacture and distribution of sewn products. SPESA members serve the apparel, upholstered furniture, home textiles, transportation interiors, leather goods, footwear, military, technical/industrial textiles and other sewn products segments. SPESA promotes and coordinates business and social interaction and provides opportunities for the sharing of industry-specific and general business information for its members and their customers.

 

Source: SPESA