The Consumer, Apparel, and Retail Studies (CARS) Advisory Board is a group of 18 senior level apparel and retail industry leaders, brought together to share their industry knowledge and experience with the CARS department. The Board is committed to helping us make sure CARS students thrive in the job market by providing support for professional development opportunities. The CARS Industry Advisory Board contributes their input to help us maintain our innovative, industry relevant curriculum and focus on developing key business skills to competitively position students for employment and career advancement, as well as make connections to help faculty and students expand their professional networks.
This year we are excited to announce the addition of several new members to the Board representing major global apparel and retail companies:
Jon Dillon is the Division President for Licensed Brands at LT Apparel Group, located in Greensboro, NC. LT Apparel Group currently works with companies like Adidas, Carhartt, and French Toast with a focus on kids apparel, “helping to make families’ lives more fulfilling with exceptional brands which give kids confidence at home, at school and on the field.” Jon has been working with LT Apparel in one way or another since the start of his career 25 years ago, working his way up through Adidas and eventually into the ranks of LT Apparel.
Bryan Fogg is Vice President of Global Loyalty Solutions and Marketing Technology at VF Corporation, headquartered in Denver, Colorado. VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands. VF represents international brands like Vans, North Face, Timberland, JanSport, Kipling, and Supreme. Bryan was previously an executive for brands like Honda Motors, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren.
Joanne Hageman is Vice President of Consumer Finance Insights, Planning, Analytics and Technology at Amazon Corporation based out of Seattle, Washington. She has spent 25 years in the retail industry prior to her time at this Fortune 500 company. Joanne’s experience prior to her time at Amazon was as an executive at companies including The NPD Group, Mattel, Fisher-Price, and General Mills.
Nicholas Pence has been the Senior Director of Sourcing Services at Under Armour, based in Baltimore, Maryland, for the past five years, supporting the company whose vision is to “inspire you with performance solutions you never knew you needed and can’t imagine living without.” He has also served as the Vice President of Coville Apparel, top executive at Optimer Brands, and Marketing Manager at TenCate.
Jen Guarino is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC), a nonprofit in Detroit, Michigan. ISAIC serves as a “national resource for those committed to positive impact through responsible production of high-quality garments and provides solutions centered around people, education, advanced manufacturing and upward mobility for workers.” Jennifer has also been an executive at Shinola, J.W. Hulme Co., and The Saks.
Continuing members of CARS’ Industry Advisory Board include:
Shawn Cooper – Education Consultant at Tutor Doctor
John Deputato, Board President – President of US Apparel at NPD Group (retired)
Nadine Hall – President of Basics at HanesBrands, Inc.
Sebrina Hernandez – Vice President and General Manager of Lee Female at VF Jeanswear
Yvonne Machilek Johnson – Senior Director of Product Development at Cotton Inc.
Kate Nadolny – Senior Vice President of Strategy, Operations and Innovation at PVH Corp.
Tim Pickett, Board Vice President/President Elect – Chief Operating Officer at Fox River Mills
Jay Robinson – Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Performance Division at Renfro
Edmir Silva – Innovation Director of Special Products at Unifi
Gary Simmons – President and CEO of Gerber (retired)
Kevin Toomey –President and CEO of Kayser-Roth Corp (retired)
Grady Williamson, Past President – Partner and Search Consultant at East West Solutions
Manfred Young – Head of Research and Development/Technical Support of the Americas at BGF Industries/Porcher Industries
We greatly appreciate the time of our advisory board members and value the industry experience and perspective that they bring to the CARS program to help make sure that our students are Industry Ready when they graduate!
