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Fair Labor Association welcomes three new board members

Fair Labor Association, a joint effort of universities, civil society organizations and socially responsible companies dedicated to protecting workers’ rights around the world, announced today the appointment of three new members to its board of directors.  Each new member will represent a sector of the organization’s membership. The new members include a former child worker form Bangladesh, the retail and licensing expert at California State University, Long Beach, and the head of traceability for outdoor brand Patagonia.

“The strength of successful nonprofit organizations is rooted in the voluntary service of outstanding, mission-driven leaders” said FLA Board Chair Michael H. Posner, former assistant secretary of state for democracy, labor and human rights and the executive director of the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights. “The Fair Labor Association is proud to welcome three individuals whose extensive knowledge and experience is outweighed only by their passion for protecting the lives of workers around the world.”

The new board members, each elected by peers from the caucus they represent, will serve three-year terms beginning in 2019. The members include:

Nazma Akter, president, Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation

Akter, who at age 11 began working alongside her mother in the readymade garment sector, today leads the Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation, one of the largest union federations in Bangladesh, working to improve garment sector workers’ rights, especially female workers. She is also the executive director of Awaj Foundation and co-chairs the Asia Pacific Women’s Committee of IndustriALL Global Union.

Wendy Savage, director of Supply Chain Social Responsibility and Traceability, Patagonia

Savage is a supply chain sustainability and labor expert with more than 17 years experience advising companies in the apparel, food, agriculture, and extractives industries. She is from Lima, Peru, and has traveled to more than 40 countries applying her knowledge. Savage is responsible for Patagonia’s global supply chain compliance and commitment to upholding the company’s workplace code of conduct and Fair Labor Association obligations.  She leads Patagonia’s Fair Trade program and its work to ensure the company has a best-in-class supply chain.

Donald Penrod, general manager/CEO, Forty Niner Shops, Inc., California State University, Long Beach

Penrod has a passion for improving the well-being of workers and more than two decades experience in licensing and retail operations. He currently oversees campus retail and dining operations as well as trademark licensing. Prior to joining CSU, Long Beach, Mr. Penrod directed Auxiliary Services at St. Louis Community College. His work in the private sector includes positions with Marriott, International Speedway Corp., and Walt Disney World.

“The Fair Labor Association board of directors is a diverse, dedicated, and determined body that guides our organization, said Sharon Waxman, FLA president and CEO. “Each of our new board members brings those essential traits to the fold and I look forward to working closely with each of them to advance the FLA’s mission and improve workers’ lives.”

In addition, two current board members were reappointed to the three-year terms.   

  • Dr. Monica J. Gorman, vice president, Responsible Leadership & Global Compliance, New Balance Athletics, Inc.
  • Karen Daubert, executive director, Administration & University Relations, Office of Public Affairs, Washington University in St. Louis

The FLA’s 19-member board of directors is a policy-making body comprised of an independent chair and equal representation by universities, civil society organizations, and companies. Each caucus elects its representatives to the board.

For 2019-20, the FLA board of directors is comprised of the following individuals:

Chair:

  • Michael H. Posner, Stern School of Business, NYU

Members:

  • Nazma Akter, Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation
  • Selcuk, Buyukozer, adidias
  • Karen Daubert, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Bob Durkee, Princeton University
  • Monica Gorman, New Balance
  • Sally Greenberg, National Consumers League
  • Kathy Hoggan, University of Washington
  • Audrey Ogawa Johnson, Dallas Cowboys Merchandising
  • Michael Levine, Under Armour
  • Gopinath Parakuni, Cividep India
  • Donald Penrod, California State University, Long Beach
  • Maureen Riedel, Pennsylvania State University
  • Meg Roggensack, Georgetown Law School
  • Wendy Savage, Patagonia
  • Leslie Shull, Delta Galil
  • Nina Smith, GoodWeave
  • Karen Tramontano, Global Fairness Initiative
  • Craig Westemeier, University of Texas

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