Organizations

AAFA announces board leadership changes

Mar 11, 2026 United States

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has appointed new members to its Board of Directors. These include Joe Preston, the president and CEO of New Balance, who will serve as board chair

During the 2026 AAFA Annual Executive Summit, the AAFA announced the renewal of its board leadership for the 2026–27 term, welcoming new and re-elected members.

Joe Preston, the president and CEO of New Balance Athletics, has been appointed as the new chair of the board. He succeeds Halide Alagöz of the Ralph Lauren Corporation, who will continue to be involved in her capacity as past chair.

"I’m excited to work alongside the AAFA team to chart a clear, harmonized path toward a stronger and more resilient apparel and footwear industry. Throughout my career, AAFA has been an invaluable resource and steady advocate for our community. I look forward to building on that foundation and helping advance the positive, impactful work the team continues to deliver”, said Joe Preston.

He will be joined by Danilo Amoretty of Carhartt, who will serve as vice chair, and Chris Volpe of United Legwear & Apparel, who will serve as treasurer. Sally Gilligan of Gap will be secretary.

The AAFA has also announced several new board members who will begin three-year terms on the 1^st of April 2026. These are Meera Bhatia of Fabletics, Jeffrey Goldfarb of G-III Apparel Group, Raj Palakshappa of Oxford Industries, Stuart Pond of VF Corporation, and Lisa Williams of Eileen Fisher.

Several current board members were also re-elected for additional terms, representing companies from across the apparel and footwear sector.

Image Credits: aafaglobal.org

United States AAFA Fashion Footwear Management Organisations