Liz Hershfield Takes the Helm as Executive Director of Cotton Council International

Liz Hershfield Takes Charge at Cotton Council International

In a significant move for the fashion and sustainability sectors, Liz Hershfield has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Cotton Council International (CCI), the export promotion entity under the National Cotton Council of America. This transition comes as Hershfield succeeds Bruce Atherley, who retired after a long tenure.

Hershfield, known for her extensive expertise in sustainability and global sourcing, is perfectly positioned to advocate for U.S. cotton on a global scale. The President and CEO of the National Cotton Council, Gary Adams, expressed his confidence in her leadership, stating that strong leadership and innovative strategies are crucial for maintaining the competitive edge of U.S. cotton. He believes that Hershfield will enhance the COTTON USA™ initiatives, thereby creating more opportunities for cotton growers in a complex global market.

In her own words, Hershfield emphasized the urgency of promoting U.S. cotton, stating, “There’s never been a more important time to champion U.S. cotton. It has an incredible story rooted in quality, innovation, and sustainable practices.” She expressed her eagerness to join the CCI team in enhancing the demand and preference for U.S. cotton products within the global textile supply chain.

Throughout her illustrious career, Hershfield has led significant supply chain and sustainability initiatives for renowned fashion brands such as J.Crew, Madewell, and Gap Inc. Additionally, she founded Green-ish, a consultancy focused on helping businesses navigate the complexities of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards as well as supply chain management. Hershfield’s notable contributions to sustainable fashion have earned her wide recognition, including the coveted Textile Exchange Ryan Young Climate+ Award for her groundbreaking regenerative cotton program that supports U.S. cotton farmers.

Moreover, her accolades include The Lead's