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 on the Board 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.

Nate Herman took on the role of Executive Vice President in 2025, following more than 20 years at the association and from the position of SVP of Policy. In addition to steering the association’s strategic plan, Nate 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 final two years as the Commerce 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.

Maureen Storch joined the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) in 2007 and leads the organization’s membership growth, retention, and engagement strategy. She leads AAFA’s core operational initiatives that enhance the value and experience of membership, and she represents the association on the Boards of Directors of the AAFA Education Foundation and the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund.

Under Maureen’s leadership, AAFA has more than doubled its membership dues revenue, reflecting her success in strengthening the association’s value proposition and expanding its reach across the apparel and footwear industry. She also played a key role in AAFA’s successful integration of the Hosiery Association in 2013, broadening the association’s representation across important industry sectors.

Maureen brings extensive executive experience from across the apparel and textile industries. Before joining AAFA, she co founded Global Nexus, Inc., an international marketing and sourcing consultancy, where she served as CEO. Prior to that, she was Director of Global Operations for ASAP Global Sourcing, forging and managing strategic alliances with manufacturers and industry associations worldwide.

Earlier in her career, Maureen held leadership roles at Tommy Hilfiger—overseeing national sales—and at the Coca Cola apparel brand, where she managed sales and marketing. She began her career as a Sales Representative with the Merona Sport division of Oxford Industries.

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.

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.

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.

Beth Hughes is responsible for AAFA’s advocacy strategy on international trade and customs issues impacting the apparel and footwear industry. Beth oversees AAFA’s Trade and Customs Committee and leads the Coalition of Economic Partnerships in the Americas (CEPA). Beth also serves as a Cleared Advisor on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee 13: Customs Matters and Trade Facilitation advising the U.S Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative. Before joining AAFA, Beth worked at the International Dairy Foods Association and the USA Rice Federation covering agricultural trade policy issues. 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.

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.

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.

Andrew Pappas joined AAFA in January 2025 as Director of State and Local Government Affairs. In this role, he leads the association’s advocacy efforts at the state and local levels, engaging with legislators and regulators across the country to represent the industry’s interests and priorities. Before joining AAFA, Andrew worked in Community Relations and Public Affairs at Vail Resorts where he built partnerships and advanced strategic initiatives. Prior to Vail Resorts, Andrew worked at Outdoor Industry Association where he managed the organization’s sustainability and regulatory policy programs, driving environmental stewardship and navigating complex regulatory challenges.

Audrey Clark is responsible for supporting the association’s trade policy efforts and leading the Transportation Team as the committee liaison. 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.

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.

Missy Branson has more than three decades of government relations and advocacy experience. She is the founder and principal of Branson360°, a full-service government relations firm launched in January 2009. The firm specializes in developing and executing legislative, regulatory, and grassroots strategies, with a primary focus on international trade and tax policy impacting the U.S. textile industry. Before establishing Branson360°, Missy served as Senior Vice President of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), where she led the organization’s government affairs, grassroots, and membership engagement efforts. From 1993 to 2003, Missy held senior roles in the office of U.S. Representative Howard Coble (NC-6), including Chief of Staff and Legislative Director. Missy holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a concentration in African Studies. She also attended the Naval War College in Washington, D.C., where she studied international affairs and geopolitical strategy.

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.

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 manages AAFA's comprehensive webinar program and supports event logistics for both virtual and in-person experiences. Since joining AAFA in 2022, she has leveraged expertise gained from her work with organizations including NAIOP (Commercial Real Estate Development Association), the American Gear Manufacturers Association, and the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. As a Certified Digital Event Strategist (DES) with a B.S. in Tourism and Events Management from George Mason University, Stephanie excels at creating engaging experiences that deliver valuable educational content to AAFA members and the broader apparel and footwear industry. At home, Stephanie is an avid gamer, writer, and proud dog mom to her two furry children, Layla and Tia.

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.

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.

Molly Molloy supports media relations and communications initiatives at the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). In this capacity, she assists with press engagement, earned media, and content development across the association’s platforms. She brings expertise in communications strategy and a background in textile policy to AAFA, helping to elevate key industry issues. Prior to joining AAFA, Molly was an Account Executive at Profiles PR, where she promoted clients such as the National Aquarium, the American Craft Council and the Trowe Price Foundation. Molly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Strategic Communications from American University with a minor in Sustainable Business.