Sustainability Leader Liz Hershfield to Head Cotton Council International

Introducing Liz Hershfield as the New Executive Director of Cotton Council International

In an exciting development for the sustainable fashion industry, Liz Hershfield has been appointed as the Executive Director of Cotton Council International (CCI), a pivotal role that aims to bolster the promotion of American cotton on a global scale. Hershfield, who is renowned for her expertise in sustainability and extensive experience in the fashion sector, takes over from Bruce Atherley, who retired in March.

A Strong Leadership to Grow COTTON USA™

Gary Adams, the CEO of the National Cotton Council (NCC), emphasized the need for strong leadership and innovative strategies to maintain the competitive edge of American cotton. "Liz is the right person to bring forth the best COTTON USA™ programs by effectively communicating the benefits of American cotton and providing cotton growers with new opportunities in the complex global marketplace," he stated. With a rich background in sustainability, global sourcing, and end-to-end logistics, Hershfield's participation is expected to significantly enhance CCI’s mission of adopting high-quality American cotton worldwide.

"There has never been a better time to shine a light on American cotton," noted Hershfield during her introductory remarks. She highlighted the fabric's storied history, which is deeply rooted in quality, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability supported by trusted COTTON USA™ partnerships. Hershfield expressed her honor in joining the talented team at CCI and her eagerness to boost demand and preference for American cotton in the global textile supply chain.

A Career Dedicated to Sustainability

Liz Hershfield's career is marked by her leadership in sustainability initiatives, working with prestigious brands like J.Crew, Madewell, and Gap Inc. She founded Green-ish, a consultancy that assists businesses in navigating the intricacies of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and supply chain management. Her contributions to sustainable fashion have earned her international recognition and several awards, including the esteemed Textile Exchange Ryan Young Climate+ Award for her innovative regenerative cotton program, which supports American cotton growers. Additionally, she received the Direct 60 Award and was named in the Rivet 50 Index for her leadership in the denim sector.

In her new role as CCI's Executive Director, Hershfield plans to leverage her extensive experience in American cotton and proven successes in sustainable fashion and supply chain management to elevate the COTTON USA™ difference on a global scale. Hershfield's goal is to enhance the unparalleled partnerships in the global textile supply chain, ensuring that American cotton is the preferred choice for manufacturers, distributors, and consumers alike.

The Mission of COTTON USA™

For nearly 70 years, Cotton Council International has been a non-profit trade association dedicated to promoting the use of American cotton and cotton products worldwide through the COTTON USA™ brand. With 20 offices in over 50 countries, CCI has worked tirelessly to establish American cotton as the fiber of choice for spinners, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers. The organization plays a critical role in advocating for high-quality American cotton and educating stakeholders about its benefits.

As Liz Hershfield begins her journey with CCI, the future looks bright for promoting sustainable practices in the cotton industry and enhancing the reputation of American cotton across the globe. With her impressive credentials and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Hershfield is set to lead CCI into a new and innovative era for American cotton.

For more information on COTTON USA™ and the initiatives led by Liz Hershfield, visit www.cottonusa.org.