AFFOA announces Dr. Eric Evans as Chair of its Board of Directors.
Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), a Manufacturing USA innovation institute committed to reinvigorating the U.S. textile industry through advanced technologies and transformative manufacturing, proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Eric Evans as Chair of its Board of Directors. His appointment marks a significant milestone for AFFOA as it continues to forge ahead in redefining the future of textiles in both national defense and civilian sectors.
A renowned expert in defense innovation and technology strategy, Dr. Evans steps into this role with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of research, engineering, and public service. Most notably, he served as the Director of MIT Lincoln Laboratory from 2006 to 2024, where he oversaw pioneering advancements across a broad spectrum of national security mission areas. He now serves as a Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, extending his influence in academia and policy.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Evans as our new Chair. His unparalleled expertise in defense technologies and his deep-rooted commitment to innovation will play a critical role as AFFOA continues to build on its mission of integrating electronics, sensors, and cutting-edge functionalities into next-generation fabrics.”
Dr. Sasha Stolyarov, CEO of AFFOA.
Dr. Evans assumes the Chairmanship at a pivotal time for AFFOA and the broader U.S. manufacturing landscape. As global supply chains evolve and demand surges for domestic innovation, AFFOA is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced textile technology an area where defense-grade performance and commercial-scale applicability converge. Under Dr. Evans’ leadership, the organization is poised to expand its national impact by accelerating the commercialization of smart fabrics, enabling breakthroughs in wearable tech, environmental sensing, and adaptive clothing.
“I am honored to take on this role at such a transformative moment for AFFOA. The convergence of materials science, electronics, and data is opening extraordinary opportunities for textiles. I look forward to supporting AFFOA’s mission and its dynamic team as we unlock these possibilities for both defense and civilian applications.
Dr. Evans
In addition to his leadership at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Dr. Evans has served the nation with distinction, earning two Secretary of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medals for his contributions to defense science and policy. He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering.
Dr. Evans officially began his role as Chair of AFFOA’s Board of Directors on May 1, 2025. With his leadership, AFFOA is poised to elevate its impact—strengthening the U.S. manufacturing base, advancing workforce capabilities, and leading the charge into a future where fabrics are not just functional, but transformative.
