U.S. Textile Industry Leadership Change: NCTO Elects New Chair and Vice Chair

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), the core industry group representing the full spectrum of U.S. textiles from fiber to finished sewn products, held its fiscal year 2026 officer elections during its annual meeting from April 14 to 16. The new Chair is Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles, with Jay Todd elected as Vice Chair. This leadership transition marks a new governance cycle for the American textile industry.

Industry Organization and Leadership Background

NCTO is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has long advocated for trade policies and industrial regulations that benefit domestic manufacturing. Amy Bircher Bruyn's election brings a direct entrepreneurial voice to the organization's leadership. Her company, MMI Textiles, is a notable player in the sector. Vice Chair Jay Todd also possesses extensive industry experience. Together, they will guide the association's policy advocacy for the coming year.

The election comes at a critical time for the U.S. textile industry. Domestic demand is affected by macroeconomic fluctuations, while imports from regions like Asia continue to pressure local manufacturers. Simultaneously, global trends toward sustainability and supply chain transparency demand rapid responses from American companies. A key initial task for the new leadership will be to coordinate member interests and present a unified voice on trade negotiations, labor standards, and technological innovation.

Industry Impact and Policy Outlook

A change in leadership often signals a shift in the association's focus. Under Amy Bircher Bruyn, NCTO is expected to push for a more aggressive trade protection agenda, particularly concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations against low-cost textile imports. Additionally, the U.S. textile industry has seen significant growth in technical textiles and functional fabrics, and NCTO may increase policy support for these high-value-added segments.

From a broader perspective, the U.S. textile sector is transitioning from traditional commodity production to high-end, customized, and sustainable products. The new leadership must balance the interests of traditional spinning and weaving companies with those of emerging technology firms. A core challenge will be ensuring the resilience and cost competitiveness of the domestic supply chain while promoting the reshoring of manufacturing.

Practical Recommendations

For Purchasers - Monitor policy moves from the new NCTO leadership, especially trade remedy measures against imports, to assess supply chain risks early. - Strengthen communication with U.S. textile suppliers to learn about their latest progress in sustainability certifications and technological innovation, meeting end-market demand for green products. - Consider building closer ties with influential companies like MMI Textiles to obtain first-hand information on policy changes.

For Foreign Trade Companies - Closely track potential anti-dumping or countervailing investigations initiated by NCTO, and adjust pricing strategies and product mix for the U.S. market accordingly. - Increase product value by developing fabrics that meet U.S. demands for high performance and environmental certifications, thereby circumventing potential trade barriers. - Use the window of U.S. textile industry leadership change to establish connections with new representatives, exploring cooperation or joint venture opportunities to integrate into their local supply chain.