Ruth Crowley

An exceptional senior executive with diversified background in retail merchandising and operations. Complete retail understanding from operations to the consumer. Former positions include: President, Motor Sports Authentics; Vice President/GMM, Harley Davidson Motor Company; Senior Vice President Retail, Universal Studios Recreation Group; Vice President, Merchandising and Retail Concept, Host Mariott; Merchandise/Store Manager, Eddie Bauer; Store Manager, The Limited.

 

Marla Dill

Marla Dill has been in the apparel industry for over 15 years with extensive experience in pattern making, design and CAD management & development. Her experience is quite diverse, from designing and creating the military costumes for 20th Century Fox's film "The Last of the Mohicans," Gore-TexÆ outerwear for Boeing, UPS and NASA, to teaching apparel design and pattern making at the University of Delaware. An industry consultant since 1990, Marla has guided companies through CAD data management, workflow and pattern making procedures, helping companies smooth the transition from manual operations to state-of-the-art automation. Former positions include: technical and management roles at Mother's Work, Flapdoodles, Lectra Systems and Ai.

Joe Fink

A very experienced senior IT executive who drives business performance by restructuring and optimizing processes, and implementing technology solutions with rapid ROI. Experience includes managing multiple global and domestic products in apparel manufacturing, retail, ecommerce and mail-order. Expertise includes ERP, supply chain management, distribution and warehouse management, POS, inventory, sales, transportation, data warehousing, IPO enablement, space and floor planning and team leadership. Industry positions include CIO at Chrome Hearts, SVP Operations/ CIO at Nautica, CIO at Guess?, CIO at Dawon Consumer Products, VP MIS at General Nutrition Co.

 

Amy Grable

Amy Grable has seven years of leadership experience at Gap Inc. with proven expertise in driving strategies that increase productivity, enhance quality, increase speed and improve cost effectiveness. Amy's strengths lie in strategic & operational planning, implementation, process re-engineering, change management, and process & technology project management. Former positions include: Sr. Director of Product Integrity at Gap Inc.; Director of Product Research & Assessment at Gap Inc., Sr. Manager of Textile Mill Relations at Gap Inc., and Manager of Textile Inspection at Gap Inc.

Chris Jones

Chris Jones has 17 years of experience in the textile, retail and fashion industries. He’s been involved in the design and implementation of product development systems, including workflow, for many top brands, retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers. Chris also has detailed experience in the supply chain processes of some 50 leading European and global companies. Experienced with Lectra Fashion PLM, Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA PLM, PTC FlexPLM, and Gerber WebPDM software. Positions include: Senior Consultant at Microdynamics & Gerber Technology, Senior Consultant to pharmaceutical and clinical research organizations, head of the professional services organization of a marketing services and software company, leading implementation for global companies in retail, financial services, publishing, FMCG and charities. Qualified ISO 9000 internal auditor & implementer.

 

Heike M. Kluemper-Hilgart

Expert understanding of apparel and accessory design and production. Strong garment background in design, product development, sourcing and regional buying office management with major international companies. Employment history includes key management roles in Europe, Mexico and Central America. Previous positions include: Global Leader of Garment Design and Development, W.L. Gore Associates GmbH; Category Manager of Softlines, Hanes Brands, Mexico City and Central America; Betty Barclay GmbH, Sample Maker. Currently Founder/Managing Director of HMK Consulting – Europe.

Kilara (Little) Le

An innovative and creative designer and artist who possesses broad knowledge of textile design and apparel processes. Skilled in linking customer needs to design and technical solutions.  Background in textile technology, design, and retail. Ms. Little has consulted for and implemented software technologies at many companies ranging from design focused organizations to large retailers. Kilara worked for Gerber Technology before joining WWA and has worked on projects including process improvement, speed to market, software development, support and implementation.

Solange Muniz Rodriguez

Solange Muniz Rodriguez has more than 15 years of experience in all phases of manufacturing domestically and offshore and sourcing in Asia, Central and South America. She has developed, implemented and evaluated quality assurance programs for apparel manufacturers and military contractors. Solange has set up and managed offshore production including contract negotiations and production monitoring. Her skills include ISO 9000 knowledge, ASTM and AATCC testing methods, military specifications and federal aviation regulations. Former positions include: Director of Manufacturing & Sourcing at Kellwood West; Director of Manufacturing & Quality at Leon Max; Offshore Production & Quality Manager at J.H. Collectibles.

Gabrielle Sampietro

Gabrielle Sampietro is a creative, innovative, industry executive with an excellent track record developing and managing the entire process from concept/design through development/delivery in apparel, headwear and accessories. Strong organizational and team building skills. Experienced in global sourcing. Gabrielle is an entrepreneur who started, developed and ran her own company. Industry positions include Vice President Apparel at Burton Snowboards, Executive Vice President at Kellwood, Vice President Operations at Ashworth, General Merchandise Manager at Reebok International, and founder/partner of Gabani Inc.

Shaun Tomson

Shaun Tomson founded, managed, and sold 2 apparel brands in the $50-$100 million sales range – Instinct in the ‘80’s and Solitude in the 90’s. He has held positions with both Patagonia and O’Neill and is a current board member of Surfrider Foundation, the world’s largest surfing environmental group. He is a best selling author (Surfers Code), an award winning filmmaker (Bustin’ down the Door) and a World Professional Surfing Champion. He is an inspirational speaker on positive values and overcoming challenges and his clients include General Motors, Price Waterhouse, Cisco, Disney and Toys R Us. He is a business finance and administration graduate from the University of Natal in his hometown of Durban, South Africa. He lives in Montecito, California with his wife Carla and son Luke and still finds time to chase the perfect wave.

Marci Zaroff

Marci Zaroff coined the term and pioneered the market for ECOfashion® ~ the fusion of style & sustainability. Ms Zaroff is an internationally recognized expert, visionary & public speaker of green business and organic/sustainable fashion. Marci is the Founder & former CEO/President of Under the Canopy and is currently launching FASE (Fashion-Art-Soul-Earth), a new cutting-edge ECOfashion lifestyle brand & retail rollout, where she serves as CEO. Marci co-founded a thriving educational center in NYC with an AVEDA spa, organic café & magazine, known today as “The Institute for Integrative Nutrition.” Marci has been a dedicated green consumer, ECOentrepreneur & educator for over two decades and is a Director and/or Advisor on several industry Boards including the Organic Exchange, the AllergyKids Foundation, Transfair USA, Sustainable Brands International & Teens Turning Green. She is also the co-founder and Chairman of South Florida Green Drinks.