The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), a key industry body representing the full U.S. textile supply chain from fiber to finished sewn products, has completed its leadership transition for fiscal year 2026. At its annual meeting held April 14-16, 2026, in Washington, D.C., the organization elected Amy Bircher Bruyn, CEO and Founder of MMI Textiles, as its new Chair, and Jay Todd as Vice Chair. This change comes at a critical time when the global textile supply chain is undergoing significant restructuring and U.S. manufacturing policies are evolving.
Background and Organizational Role
NCTO is one of the most influential trade associations in the American textile industry, with membership spanning the entire production chain—from fiber production, spinning, and weaving to the manufacturing of finished apparel and sewn products. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the council actively engages with the federal government on issues such as trade agreements, tariff policies, and industrial subsidies. The elections, held during the annual meeting from April 14-16, 2026, will shape the organization's advocacy direction for the coming fiscal year.
Amy Bircher Bruyn, the newly elected Chair, leads MMI Textiles, a company specializing in technical textiles and industrial fabrics. Her election signals a potential shift in focus toward high-value-added and functional materials within the U.S. textile sector. Vice Chair Jay Todd brings extensive industry experience, which will support NCTO's operational management and strategic planning.
Industry Impact and New Agenda
This leadership change occurs as the U.S. textile industry faces multiple challenges. On one hand, low-cost imports from Asia continue to pressure domestic production capacity; on the other, demand for nearshoring and supply chain security is rising within the United States. The new NCTO leadership team is expected to prioritize the following initiatives:
- Strengthen communication with Congress to secure more favorable trade protection measures and industrial support policies
- Promote technological innovation and the development of sustainable production standards to enhance the global image of U.S. textiles
- Foster closer collaboration with downstream brands and retailers to increase the share of domestic sourcing
- Address labor shortages by attracting younger workers through vocational training programs
In her initial remarks after the election, Chair Bruyn emphasized the goal of “maintaining the competitiveness of the U.S. textile industry on the global stage.” This suggests that NCTO will take a more proactive role in international trade rule negotiations and adopt a firmer stance on issues such as anti-dumping measures and rules of origin.