AAFA promotes Nate Herman to Executive Vice President

The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has announced the promotion of Nate Herman to Executive Vice President, effective this week. In his new role, Herman will work closely with AAFA President and CEO, Steve Lamar, to lead membership initiatives and provide support to the organization’s Board of Directors.

Herman has been with AAFA for nearly two decades, previously serving as Senior Vice President of Policy. During his tenure, he played a key role in shaping the association’s advocacy efforts, particularly in areas of trade, product safety, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). His leadership has been instrumental in advancing trade preference programs, supporting U.S. manufacturing, reducing regulatory burdens, and strengthening intellectual property protections.

Steve Lamar praised Herman’s promotion as a well-deserved step forward, highlighting his “expertise, vision, integrity, and reach in Washington.” In his new role, Herman expressed enthusiasm for continuing to represent the U.S. apparel, footwear, accessories, and travel goods sectors. He looks forward to refining the industry’s core values and reinforcing its collective voice.

Before joining AAFA, Herman worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. There, he helped American firms expand into global markets and later served as an industry analyst for the footwear and travel goods sectors.

This promotion comes at a significant time, as AAFA celebrates its 25th anniversary. The organization traces its origins back to the mid-19th century, and the 1990s merger that formed AAFA marked the coming together of the American Apparel and Manufacturers Association, the Footwear Industries of America, and The Fashion Association. Over the years, AAFA has been a cornerstone in providing education, advocacy, research, and networking within the U.S. apparel and footwear industry.