AAFA Team

Stephen E. Lamar is President and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, the national trade association representing more than 1,000 brands in the apparel and footwear industry. Steve leads a dedicated team of professionals who represent AAFA members before the government, through the media, and in industry settings on key brand protection, supply chain and manufacturing, and trade issues. Steve also advises AAFA member companies on legislation and regulatory policies. Prior to becoming President and CEO, Steve served as Executive Vice President for the association.

Prior to AAFA, Steve spent more than a decade engaged in international public policy work, including stints at the U.S. Commerce Department and in the Peace Corps. A runner, juggler, and genealogist in his spare time, Steve is President of the Washington International Trade Association. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colgate University and a Master of Arts Degree in International Affairs (with a concentration on African politics and international trade) from George Washington University.

Maureen Storch joined AAFA in 2007 and is responsible for membership growth and retention, as well as initiatives that strengthen AAFA’s presence in the industry. Maureen oversees operational programs related to membership and serves on the Boards of Directors of the AAFA Education Foundation and the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund. Under Maureen’s leadership, AAFA has welcomed more than 300 new companies into AAFA’s apparel and footwear membership base. In addition, Maureen was instrumental in assimilating the Hosiery Association in 2013. Maureen has extensive executive management experience within the apparel industry. Prior to AAFA, Maureen co-founded Global Nexus, Inc., which provided international marketing and sourcing consultants to the apparel and textile industries and served as its CEO. Prior to Global Nexus, Maureen served as Director of Global Operations for ASAP Global Sourcing, where she developed and managed alliances with apparel manufacturers and associations. Maureen also worked at Tommy Hilfiger as the National Sales Manager and the Coca-Cola apparel brand managing sales and marketing. She began her career as a Sales Representative with the Merona Sport Division of Oxford Industries. Maureen is married with four children and resides in Great Falls, Virginia.

Nate Herman oversees AAFA’s Policy department, managing the association’s lobbying, policy, and regulatory affairs activities. Nate leads AAFA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) program, formulating and implementing CSR policy and representing AAFA and the industry on CSR issues before governments, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. In addition, Nate develops all apparel and footwear industry data and statistics as AAFA's resident economist. Prior to joining AAFA, Nate worked for six years at the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration assisting U.S. firms in entering the global market. Nate spent the last two years as the Department's industry analyst for the footwear and travel goods industries. Nate received a Masters of Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994 and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Economics from the University of Delaware in 1992.

Corinne Suder is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), with a passion for creating learning experiences, conferences, seminars, and special events that foster business and networking opportunities. Corinne is responsible for managing the Events & Programming Department and fulfilling AAFA’s goals to bring stakeholders together across the global apparel and footwear sector. She presides over a portfolio of several dozen annual events and webinars. Each of AAFA’s programs are built to align with AAFA’s Strategic Plan across the priorities of Brand Protection; Supply Chain & Sourcing; Trade, Logistics, & Manufacturing. AAFA approaches all programming through the lens of purpose-driven leadership in a manner that supports each member’s ability to build and sustain inclusive and diverse cultures, meet and advance ESG goals, and draw upon the latest technology. Prior to joining AAFA in 2011, she spent nearly ten years with the National Football League Players Association as Programs Manager of the Former Players Department. Corinne is married with three children and resides in Broomes Island, Maryland.

Natalie LaBella drives integrated marketing communications and media relations across the association. In this capacity, Natalie manages AAFA’s website, publications, marketing of membership events, and other key initiatives as well as press engagement and earned media. She brings expertise to the association in the areas of program management, marketing and brand integrity, and advocacy. Prior to joining AAFA, she served as a consultant to the National Restaurant Association’s Government Affairs & Policy division where she managed sustainability efforts and partnerships within the restaurant industry. She has also supported the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the International Trade Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University, Bloomington and an advanced certificate in marketing from the Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies.

Agata Borradori is responsible for finance, accounting, and payroll functions at AAFA. She handles day-to-day accounting functions, financial audits, and tax filings. Agata has a background in public accounting, where she provided accounting services to multiple non-profits. Agata graduated from American University’s Kogod School of Business with Bachelor of Business Administration and is a licensed CPA.

Beth Hughes is responsible for supporting the association's efforts on international trade and customs issues. Beth oversees AAFA’s Trade Policy Committee, as well as AAFA’s Customs Group. Before joining AAFA, Beth served for six years as senior director, international affairs at the International Dairy Foods Association. Beth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at George Washington University and received a Master of Arts in international affairs from Florida State University.

Sarah Vincent oversees the membership database as well as provides support and training to the Trade Policy and Events and Programming departments. She handles database management, and website development and integration. She has held similar positions at the Licensing Executive Society (USA and Canada) and the American Alliance of Museums.

Megan Balkovic comes to AAFA with extensive association experience which includes expertise in the areas of membership, development, governance, and program coordination. As Senior Director, Membership Experience & Industry Engagement, Megan implements and manages strategies and processes that create meaningful experiences and adds value for members. Her primary focus is on the recruitment and retention of AAFA's Affiliate Members, while also overseeing the sponsorship and advertising goals of the association. Megan earned a Bachelor of Arts from Carson-Newman University.

As the chief advocate and spokesperson for AAFA on intellectual property (IP) and brand protection issues, Jennifer Scoggins Hanks serves as the staff liaison to AAFA’s Brand Protection Council. She connects with government officials; members of Congress; and representatives of global e-commerce, social, and digital platforms to shape IP policy, protect U.S. branded products, and advance AAFA member online and offline priorities.

Jennifer’s unique background of public policy, advocacy, coalition management, and strategic communications experience was earned serving across a series of bicoastal public and private sector positions, including with a Washington D.C. public affairs firm, CNN Worldwide, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Her career began working in the California State Legislature and the California Governor’s Office.

Chelsea Murtha serves as the association’s advocate and spokesperson on matters of sustainability and product safety. She engages with Congress, the Executive Branch, independent agencies, as well as state and local legislatures and agencies and foreign governments on sustainability, product safety, and chemical management issues important to the industry. Chelsea is also the staff liaison to AAFA’s Environmental Committee and Product Safety Council.

Chelsea joined AAFA from a Washington, D.C., government affairs firm where she led advocacy efforts for clients, including several trade associations and apparel and footwear importers, on policy developments related to environmental, social, and governance issues in global supply chains. She has also worked for the U.S. Fashion Industry Association, and a Washington, D.C., international trade policy consultancy firm. Chelsea earned a Master of Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts from the George Washington University.

Darrell Sumpter is responsible for the daily operations of AAFA and maintaining a safe and secure working environment. Darrell purchases and maintains all equipment and supplies. He is the liaison with the property manager and the technology vendor in maintaining the computer network and desktop support. In addition, he provides accounting support for accounts receivable and subscription renewals.

Reem Kuhail is responsible for managing and facilitating the administration of the office of the Chief Executive Officer and handles all Board governance activities. Reem is also responsible for managing and executing the logistics for AAFA’s Policy Committee Meetings. She also provides back-up logistical support to the Education and Corporate Marketing Department. Reem also supports other departments by facilitating cross-organization communication and cooperation. Reem graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

Jordan Turner joined AAFA’s Communications and Marketing Department in 2020 after graduating from Stevenson University with a Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication/Graphic Design. As Digital Media & Marketing Specialist, Jordan brings AAFA’s member resources to life visually through designing branded materials (e.g., videos, event materials, infographics, publications), translates the association’s work across all digital channels, and ensures consistent branding across the association. Jordan comes to AAFA following his positions of Studio Assistant at Stevenson University and Marketing & Social Media intern at Volo City, Baltimore.

Katie Koscher joined AAFA in 2017 after spending nearly five years with the American Chemistry Council. As Director, Events & Programming, she leads development and execution of AAFA’s robust educational portfolio presented both domestically and internationally including the Executive Summit. Katie works across all departments to ensure the members needs are addressed in ways that provide them a platform to learn, engage, and interact with AAFA and other association members. Katie is a graduate of Radford University with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising. She lives in Charleston, SC with her husband and daughter.

Stephanie Paendong joined AAFA's Events & Programming Department in 2022. She leads AAFA's webinar program and supports the association's event logistics. Bringing a wealth of experience in event planning, Stephanie is dedicated to delivering exceptional attendee experiences and providing valuable educational content for both members and non-members. Prior to joining AAFA, Stephanie has worked with NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association), the American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington, and the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Events Management from George Mason University, with a Concentration in Events Management.

Brielle Papalia joined AAFA as the Content Manager for Events and Programming in 2023. She spent more than eight years in the apparel industry as a product developer for two of the largest retailers, Gap Inc. and Urban Outfitters. As Content Manager, Brielle leads and executes a portfolio of annual events that create informative, interactive, and thought-provoking experiences for apparel and footwear companies across the globe. Brielle is passionate for sustainability, having developed and executed many eco-conscious apparel collections and lines while working in the industry. Outside of work, Brielle enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking/baking, workout classes, and playing with her adorable dachshund, Freddie. Brielle earned a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Science in Fashion and Textile Management from North Carolina State University, Wilson College of Textiles.

Audrey Clark is responsible for supporting the association’s trade policy efforts. Prior to joining AAFA in November 2023, Audrey worked as Export Program Coordinator at the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) where she managed eight international export promotion campaigns and supported four DISCUS committees. She previously worked at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) where she was awarded the Pearce Prize Achievement Award and served as Program Coordinator for Streaming & Broadcasting. She has earned both her bachelor’s and master's degrees in International Affairs from Georgia Tech.

Conor O'Brien joined AAFA's policy team in 2024 as its Sustainability Policy Coordinator after completing his Masters in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University. Prior to joining AAFA, Conor worked for several years with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Boston, where he engaged with RCRA compliance, state coordination, climate adaptation planning, and environmental justice application. Initially trained as a chemist at Princeton University, Conor combines scientific research with policy analysis and application to provide holistic approaches to sustainable resource usage in pursuit of a more circular economy. Conor supports the work of the AAFA Environmental Committee and AAFA Product Safety Council by engaging with public and private stakeholders on issues of sustainability, product safety, and chemical management germane to the apparel and footwear industry.

David brings over 25 years of experience in textile and apparel policy issues, including the Berry Amendment, the Kissell Amendment, and other domestic sourcing preferences in government contracting. From 1994 to 2013 he was with the National Textile Association and was an advisor to the U.S. government on textile and apparel topics. Since then he has been an independent consultant with an international clientele, providing support for all aspects of U.S. federal regulations affecting the textile and fashion industries. He has worked closely with many AAFA members during the past two decades. While his work is directed toward Washington, D.C., he is based in Boston, Massachusetts, in close proximity to the Department of Defense facilities in Natick, Mass., and across the river from the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America institute in Cambridge, Mass.