Mr McDonald is currently completing his doctoral degree in Textile Technology Management at North Carolina State University (NC STATE). While studying for his doctorate, he has served as adjunct professor, advisor for the Textile Apparel Technology Management Student Advisory Board, teaching assistant, and guest lecturer. He started his assignment as SPESA’s Executive Director on 15 March 2018.

Experience

Previously McDonald was Manager of Government Relations for 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 and infrastructure, patent reform, labour, 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.

Providing information and support

Formed in 1990, SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) 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.

Its 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.

www.spesa.org