Kevin Burke to step down as AAFA president and CEO

By

Lauren Walker

Published
Dec 17, 2013

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) today announced Kevin Burke will step down as president and CEO effective,January 21, 2014. A successor to Burke - who has held the position for 13 years - has yet to be named.

"For the past several years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to serve a very dynamic industry as its top spokesperson in Washington," said Burke. "The key lessons I've learned during my years at AAFA are that the U.S. apparel and footwear industry is always moving forward and that the industry must maintain its global perspective to remain competitive."

Under his tenure, the AAFA has welcomed an increase in retail-orientated members, marking a dynamic shift from an association with a history rooted in manufacturing and wholesale. In total, the AAFA’s membership includes 530 corporate member representing more than 1,500 brands.

AAFA chairman Philip Williamson said: "Our industry has changed significantly since Kevin came to AAFA in 2001. He brought a much-needed global vision to AAFA and travelled the world meeting with industry stakeholders to keep American workers competitive in the global market.”

Today, the U.S. apparel and footwear industry has employs more than four million American workers.

Kevin Burke will join Airports Council International as president and CEO, effective January 22.