Dr. Eric Evans Takes Leadership Role as Chair of AFFOA's Board of Directors

Dr. Eric Evans Takes Leadership Role as Chair of AFFOA's Board of Directors



The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), an important non-profit organization focusing on rejuvenating the textiles industry in the United States through advanced technologies, has announced the appointment of Dr. Eric Evans as its new Chair of the Board of Directors. This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for US manufacturing, particularly in textiles, where innovation and technological advancement are pivotal for sustaining competitiveness in the global market.

Dr. Evans, who has dedicated over three decades to advancing defense technology, is well-equipped to lead AFFOA in its mission. Prior to this appointment, he directed the renowned MIT Lincoln Laboratory over an impressive 18-year tenure. During his leadership, he oversaw significant developments in various national security mission areas, making him a natural choice for tackling the future challenges and opportunities at AFFOA. Currently, he is a Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow at MIT, where he continues to influence the next generation of engineers and technologists.

In welcoming Dr. Evans, Dr. Sasha Stolyarov, CEO of AFFOA, highlighted the immense value of his experience in defense technology and innovation. “We are honored to welcome Dr. Evans as our new Chair,” Dr. Stolyarov stated. “His extensive expertise in defense innovation and his commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in functional fabrics technology and manufacturing.”

As the Chair of AFFOA, Dr. Evans will guide the organization through a transformative period aimed at accelerating the development and commercialization of advanced textile technologies. These innovations are expected to integrate electronics, sensors, and other advanced capabilities, enhancing the functionality of textiles for both defense and civilian applications. Under Dr. Evans’s leadership, AFFOA aspires to not only bolster U.S. workforce capabilities but also stimulate economic growth through cutting-edge developments in textile technology and manufacturing processes.

Dr. Evans expressed his enthusiasm about taking on this pivotal role, stating, “I am honored to take on this role at such a pivotal time for AFFOA. I look forward to working with the very talented team at AFFOA to create new textile and technology capabilities for both defense and civilian applications.” His appointment commenced on May 1, 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for AFFOA as it aims to redefine the textiles landscape.

In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Evans has received two Distinguished Public Service Medals from the Secretary of Defense for his leadership and expertise. He is a Fellow of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), a Fellow of the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics), and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, all of which highlight his esteemed place within the scientific community.

About AFFOA:

Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, AFFOA is operating as a public-private partnership under the Manufacturing USA initiative. Its mission is clear: to rekindle the domestic textiles industry through leadership in advanced fiber and fabric technology development. The institute aspires to enable revolutionary capabilities that can significantly support national security and a variety of commercial markets. With Dr. Evans at the helm, AFFOA is poised to make great strides in revitalizing the textiles sector in America, setting the stage for substantial innovation and collaboration in the years to come.

For more information about AFFOA and its initiatives, please visit affoa.org.

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