American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) announced AAFA chairman Peter J. Gabbe, chief operating officer of Carole Hochman Design Group, has agreed to serve another year as chairman of the Board of Directors for the association.

"Peter has provided outstanding leadership and guidance for the association this year, and addressed challenges head-on," said Kevin M. Burke, president and CEO, AAFA.

"With this experience, he is best prepared to continue to lead the industry through this uncertain economy with the help of a supportive Board of Directors."

Burke also announced that Carol J. Hochman, president & CEO of Triumph Apparel Corporation, and Killick S. Datta, chairman and CEO of Global Feet Inc, would remain AAFA vice chairperson and AAFA Board treasurer, respectively, for another year.

Robert C. Skinner, Jr, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Kellwood Company, accepted the appointment to AAFA Board secretary.

By a recent AAFA Board of Directors membership election ballot, all 20 nominees were re-elected to three-year terms. And, through a special appointment by the Board, Gilbert W. Harrison, chairman and CEO, Financo Inc, and Christopher Verheuvel, senior vice president and general manager of SAP Retail Inc, have been confirmed to fill open positions on the Board, effective immediately.

"AAFA's Annual Executive Summit is more than just a board meeting," stated Gabbe. "It brings together leaders of the industry for executive-level programming and networking."

Burke agreed the Summit is a must-attend event every year. "This year's high-profile speakers and expert panelists once again prove that learning is imperative to staying ahead in this dynamic industry."