SPESA Welcomes New Board Member, Announces New Officer Slate, and Presents Member Emeritus Awards

Press Release

RALEIGH, N.C. – During its recent Annual Business Meeting, the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA) announced the approval of its incoming officers and the election of the Board Class of 2026, which includes a new member to the association’s Board of Directors. SPESA also presented the recipients of the inaugural SPESA Member Emeritus awards. The SPESA Business Meeting took place Monday, October 23rd, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the 38th World Fashion Convention, co-hosted by SPESA and the International Apparel Federation (IAF).

David Handal Joins SPESA Board of Directors

David Handal is the General Manager of Agencia J.E. Handal, S.A. de C.V., an authorized distributor for complete lines of industrial sewing, cutting, and finishing equipment as well as spare parts for the apparel industry. Based in Honduras, the company has contributed to the development of the textile, apparel, and sewn products industries in Central America for more than 40 years. Ahead of the membership vote, Mr. Handal expressed his commitment to support the association and share his knowledge for a great future for the industry in Central America. SPESA looks forward to benefiting from Mr. Handal’s expertise as it looks to pursue initiatives in the region.

SPESA Members Vote on SPESA Board Class of 2026

Mr. Handal joins the SPESA Board of Directors as part of the Board Class of 2026. In addition, the SPESA membership voted to re-elect several current SPESA Board members. The SPESA Board Class of 2026 includes:

• Daniella Ambrogi, CGS, Inc.

• Dan Berzack, Sewn Products Equipment Co.

• David Handal, Agencia J.E. Handal S.A. de C.V.

• Ed Gribbin, Gribbin Strategic

• Nina McCormack, DAP America, Inc.

Each of these Board members will serve a three-year term, which began on October 23rd, 2023.

SPESA Board Approves Officer Slate

Inaugurated October 23rd, SPESA’s new leadership team consists of Mark Hatton, Managing Director, Americas at American & Efird, serving as Chairman of the Board; Daniella Ambrogi, Global Senior Marketing Director of CGS, Inc., as Vice Chairwoman; and Michael Rabin, Sales Director of the Americas at Morgan Tecnica Spa, as Secretary/Treasurer.

The newly-elected officers will each serve two-year terms. Exiting Chairman Ed Gribbin will continue to serve on the Board as the Immediate Past President.

SPESA Presents Member Emeritus Awards

Also during the Business Meeting, SPESA presented awards to its inaugural class of Members Emeritus. The 2023 honorees have all contributed greatly to both SPESA and the sewn products industry throughout their illustrious careers, and continue to do so today by sharing their experience and knowledge with the next generation of sewn products leaders. The 2023 honorees are:

• Benton Gardner

• Dave Gardner

• Al Irvine

• Lonny Schwartz

• Sam Simpson

Recipients of this new SPESA membership level are granted complimentary lifetime SPESA membership in gratitude for their service.

For more information on SPESA's Board of Directors and leadership, please visit www.spesa.org/about.