Liz Hershfield Named Cotton Council International Executive Director
May 1, 2025 
Liz Hershfield (Photo: CCI)
Fashion industry veteran and sustainability expert Liz Hershfield is the new Executive Director of Cotton Council International (CCI), the export promotion arm of the National Cotton Council of America (NCC).
Hershfield succeeds Bruce Atherley, who retired at the end of March.
“Strong leadership and innovative strategies are essential to maintaining U.S. cotton’s competitive edge,” says NCC President & CEO Gary Adams. “Liz is well poised to enhance COTTON USA programs by communicating U.S. cotton’s benefits, giving U.S. cotton growers more opportunities to thrive in the complex global market.”
Hershfield’s specialized expertise in sustainability, global sourcing, product development, and end-to-end supply chain strategy, alongside extensive experience with U.S. cotton, will help advance CCI in leading the world to cotton’s next level through its COTTON USA brand and help drive global U.S. cotton initiatives.
“There’s never been a more important time to champion U.S. cotton,” Hershfield says. “U.S. cotton has an incredible story to tell – rooted in quality, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, underscored by trust earned through reliable COTTON USA partnerships.
“I’m honored to join the talented team at CCI to bolster growth in demand and preference for U.S. cotton across the global textile supply chain.”
As CCI Executive Director, Hershfield will leverage her experience with U.S. cotton and her proven track record in sustainable fashion and supply chain management to help elevate “The COTTON USA Difference” of superior U.S. cotton plus unrivaled partnership across the global textile supply chain.
Throughout her distinguished career, Hershfield has spearheaded supply chain and sustainability initiatives for globally established brands such as J.Crew, Madewell, and Gap Inc. She also founded Green-ish, a consultancy that helps businesses navigate the complexities of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and supply chain management.
Hershfield’s contributions to sustainable fashion have earned her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Textile Exchange Ryan Young Climate+ Award for her pioneering regenerative cotton program supporting U.S. cotton farmers. She was also honored with The Lead’s “The Direct 60” award and named to the Rivet 50 Index for her leadership in the denim industry.
Information from Cotton Council International
GET THE NEWSLETTER TODAY!
