U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol Expands Board Of Directors From 16 To 22
The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol has announced the appointment of a refreshed and expanded Board of Directors, signaling a new phase in its governance. The board now comprises 22 members, including 11 new appointees, expanding from its previous 16 members.
This move follows a governance review four years into the programme’s successful development, aiming to enhance representation and diversity across the international supply chain.
The newly structured board comprises representatives from key sectors, including four growers, each representing a U.S. cotton-growing region, three representatives from gins and cottonseed producers, four merchants and cooperatives, four mills and manufacturers, three representatives from NGOs and academia, and four brand and retailer members.
The board’s composition reflects the Trust Protocol’s commitment to connecting the entire supply chain, fostering demand across segments and improving overall impact. The board members serve for two years, with an option for renewal, ensuring a balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge.
Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, expressed excitement about the new appointments, emphasizing the diverse expertise and leadership they bring. He highlighted the board’s role in driving value across the supply chain while maintaining a focus on cotton growers’ interests.
The new board members, representing various sectors, will collaborate with existing members to steer the Trust Protocol toward its objectives of sustainability and industry excellence.
The newly appointed board members include cotton grower Sam Whitaker, Partner, Whitaker Farms, gins and cottonseed: Larry Black, General Manager, Central Rolling Plains Gin, coops and merchants: Krista Rickman, Commercial Strategic Lead, Cargill Cotton, Carlos Garcia, Director of Sales, Plains Cotton Cooperative Association, mills and manufacturers Adolfo Kalach, Vice President, Kaltex Manufacturing Group, Saima Chowdhury, Founder and CEO, Noi Solutions LLC, NGOs and academia Suzy Friedman, Senior Director of Food Policy, World Wildlife Fund, Tyson Raper, Associate Professor, Pettigrew Cotton Specialist, University of Tennessee, brands and retailers Katherine “Katie” O’Hare, Senior Director, Sustainability, J. Crew Group, Agata Smeets, Head of Environment and Product Sustainability, Gap Inc. and Virginie Cayzeele, Head of Raw Materials, Kiabi
These new members join existing ones, forming a diverse and experienced board committed to advancing sustainability and innovation in the cotton industry.
