AAFA Appoints New CEO/President

On June 6, 2014, the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), Washington, D.C., announced that Juanita D. Duggan, an experienced trade association executive and lobbyist, will join the association on July 1 as president and CEO.

"Juanita has demonstrated time and again her relentlessness and dedication to succeed for her clients," said Rick Helfenbein, chairman of AAFA. "Her ability to lead organizations, develop coalitions, and successfully manage complex lobbying efforts and public affairs campaigns is quite impressive."

"I look forward to taking the reins at AAFA and building on the fine work of my predecessor, Kevin Burke," said Duggan. "This is a great opportunity to up the association's game in an era of fast-paced change in the industry and the policy world. The apparel and footwear industry is a key driver of economic growth in the US and globally. I can't wait to tell their story."

Bringing more than 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill and in the White House, Duggan will successfully add to the excellent team already in place at AAFA. Her experience includes multi-industry advocacy, fundraising, and representing several industries as primary spokesperson.

Juanita joins AAFA after three years as policy director at Brownstein, Hyatt, Farber, Shreck, the fourth ranked lobbying firm in Washington. She worked for a diverse set of clients, including the retail sector.

When Duggan was president and CEO of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America from 1998 through 2006, her efforts led Congress to pass a law nullifying a provision that eliminated an unfair tax advantage, ending a 20-year battle for U.S. wholesalers to access this key tax credit. She also led WSWA to victory with the 21st Amendment Enforcement Act, a law that reinforced the Constitution's grant of authority to the states over alcohol regulation.

Duggan is also the former president and CEO of American Forest and Paper Association, where from 2006 to 2007 she represented the forestry, timber and wood/paper products industry with a $40 million budget and a staff of 100. In addition, she has represented Philip Morris Companies Inc. during the national tobacco settlement and the National Food Processors Association, where she was instrumental in passage of landmark food safety and nutrition labeling legislation.

Duggan's professional accomplishments in politics extend beyond advocacy. She was special assistant to President Bush for cabinet affairs from 1998 to 1990, special assistant to President Reagan for domestic policy and public liaison from 1987 to 1989 and served on senate committee staff from 1982 to 1984. Duggan has served on multiple boards including The Ripon Society, The Fund for American Studies, and chaired The Bryce Harlow Foundation. She received her bachelor's degree in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

For more information, visit the AAFA website.