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 organisation working to advance critical policies to grow quality, US jobs in the clean energy economy.

“We are fortunate, at this time of change and challenge to have Kim take the helm of this organization,” said Moran. “The US textiles industry is experiencing an exciting and dynamic period.  A new policy environment has evolved in Washington that places a greater emphasis on domestic manufacturing and Kim is an excellent choice to steer the industry through these new opportunities.”

“NCTO has worked very closely with Kim over the years on Capitol Hill and in the Obama Administration. Kim brings a strong combination of leadership skills, policy and advocacy know-how, and industry knowledge and has extensive experience working on manufacturing, trade, competitiveness, and sustainability issues. We are thrilled she is taking on this important role at this time.”

Ms Glas most recently served as Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, a national partnership of labour and environmental organisations working to advance the creation of quality US jobs in the clean energy economy. In this capacity, she worked closely with labour, environmentalists and US 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 US 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 US textiles and apparel industries.

“I am honoured 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 Ms 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 also brings extensive Capitol Hill experience, having worked for US Representatives Michael Michaud of Maine and John J. LaFalce of New York. Kim helped to initially organise, 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.

www.ncto.org

Further reading

NCTO announces retirement of President and CEO