INDUSTRY NEWS

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 19, 2009)—The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) has announced that Matt Priest as the association’s new president.

“Matt brings an outstanding background in both domestic and international footwear issues to FDRA. We are very excited to have him on board and look forward to a new direction for the association under his leadership,” states Jim Issler, FDRA chairman and president & CEO of H.H. Brown Shoe Company.

Most recently Priest served as senior advisor to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and was deputy assistant secretary for textiles and apparel at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Priest was also chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), which determines when market-disrupting factors exist in the domestic fiber, textiles and apparel marketplace.

Previously, Priest served as senior advisor to the assistant secretary for import administration at the Commerce Department, where he advised the assistant secretary on textile and trade issues. Prior to his appointment, Priest served as legislative director for Representative Sue Myrick of North Carolina, where he was an advisor in the areas of textiles, trade and economic development.

“I am excited about this opportunity to serve one of the premier footwear associations in the world,” said Priest. “FDRA has a long and proud history of serving its members and the industry at large, and I look forward to bringing new ideas and a fresh perspective to the organization.”

FDRA accounts for approximately 80% of all footwear sales in the U.S., representing the industry’s leading retailers, brands and buying agents. Its services include lobbying and advocacy for industry causes, educational programs and trade publications.

  More Industry News Articles