Michael McDonald | SPESA President

Michael McDonald’s favorite thing to say: “You were either born into the textiles industry, or you were tricked into it.” He represents the former and has spent his career advocating for — or “tricking” — people to join the industry he represents and loves. Since 2018, Michael has served as President to SPESA, the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas. SPESA represents the vast network of sewn products equipment suppliers and technology providers across the globe, namely with a focus in the Western Hemisphere. In addition to his role with SPESA, Michael serves on Walmart’s American Lighthouse Initiative Board of Directors, where he, alongside other industry leaders, work to drive more manufacturing efforts in the U.S.  

Michael began his career in the D.C. metro area, previously serving as the Manager of Government Relations for the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA). He was staff liaison for AAFA’s Product Safety Council, Government Contracts Committee, Brand Protection Committee, Financial Management Committee, Labeling and Transportation Mailing Lists. He oversaw a diverse array of issues as lead lobbyist including product safety, intellectual property, military contracting, domestic sourcing, environment & chemical management, corporate tax reform, transportation & infrastructure, patent reform, labor, state chemical regulations, international trade, and internet sales tax. Today, he calls himself a “Reformed Lobbyist”.

When Michael isn’t talking sewn products, he is either wrangling his two small boys or working to finalize his doctoral degree in Textile Technology Management at North Carolina State University’s Wilson College of Textiles.