About Me

I have lived in Yellow Springs, Ohio for over 20 years raising two daughters in the community. As a graduate of Ohio University in Fashion, I have built an award-winning career in the US fashion/apparel industry. This past November I joined the Yellow Springs Community Foundation (YSCF) as their first Executive Director an exciting new position for both the YSCF and me. 

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I have had the opportunity to travel extensively for my consulting company JCox and the apparel industry. Since 2013 I have owned Basho Apparel, a local eco-friendly graphics and screen-printing business. I am committed to the community and make time to serve in Board positions of local nonprofits with John Bryan Community Pottery, the Little Art Theatre, and previously The Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce.

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Whether in the private, public or non-profit sector, I am vested, solves problems, improves performance and raises the quality of those lives I touch.

Passion

November first began a new chapter for the Foundation and for me. After some thirty years in the apparel industry, I changed course becoming your new (and first) Executive Director. I have lived in Miami Township for 23 years, commuting for work to points far and wide where apparel is designed, made, and sold. It was an exciting career, yet, when I was home and engaging with local nonprofits, I felt most rewarded.

The first few months have been busy, including the first task of creating
a bit of actual space for me in the YSCF office.  I have immersed myself in learning a new language: “foundations” and I have been listening to you. We (Board, Virgil, Kim and two Miller Fellows, Marcell, Jonah, and I) have found a nice working model, which is permitting us to make great progress in short order.

The board and staff worked hard in 2016 to provide the roadmap for us by adopting the strategic plan. We are well on our way with even more focus on you; implemented: accessible scholarship requirements and anonymity for Donor Advised Funds; in development: an opportunity for Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), improvements to the grant request process and so much more.

Apparel

2012 / MARCH - PRESENT

Owner

Basho and JCox, An Apparel Services Company

Basho, Screen Printing Company 
Eco-Friendly Handcrafted Screen Printing custom pieces, samples to bulk.

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Apparel Executive Management Consultant  
Key consulting projects with JCox, WWA (Walter Wilhelm and Associates) and AAPN PROAmerica (Americas Apparel Producers Network).   Consulting experience running major projects for VF Corporation - PLM Evaluation and Implementation, Fast Retailing - PLM Implementation and Color  and PD Technology Enhancement, rag & bone - Calendar Enhancement, Image Solutions- Sourcing Strategy, Various non-profit 501 (c)(3) and for profit Executive Director Mentoring and Strategy Development.  
 

1994 / MARCH - PRESENT

Co-Owner

Peifer Orchards

Family owned Orchard, Farm Market and Gift Store located in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Featuring locally grown seasonal produce with 28 varieties of apples, natural apple cider, baked goods and unique art and gifts.

2012 / MAY - 2015 / MAY

Chief Operating Officer

WWA Advisors Management Consulting Firm

WWA Advisors is a management consulting firm focused on empowering apparel, footwear, and retail executives with the strategies, processes, and technologies that create tangible business value and sustainable competitive advantage.

Key projects in Retail, Manufacturing and Uniforms focusing on Business Strategy, Sales Strategy and System Strategy.

2011 / JULY - 2012 / FEBRUARY 

Vice President Customer Experience

G&K Services

Corporate Officer, Lead Customer Service, Sales, Design, Product Development, Merchandising and Marketing for integrated Catalog and Program Direct Purchase uniform businesses.

2004 / DECEMBER - 2011 / JUNE 

Vice President and General Manager Lion Uniform Group

G&K Services

Corporate Officer, P&L responsibility for direct purchase uniform business servicing fortune 500companies to small businesses’ managed employee uniform programs.

2003 / JULY - 2004 / DECEMBER 

Vice President Market Development

LION

Responsible for development  - delivery of innovative design and quality uniform products to meet customer brand objectives.  Expanded go to market through new sales strategy, sourcing and product development organizations.  Prepared the business unit for divestiture and participated on due diligence team for acquisition.

1999 - 2003 

Dir Product Technology

Limited Brands

Responsible for strategic direction, development, and implementation for Design, Product Development and Sourcing systems and processes for consumer Products Personal Care and Apparel all divisions.

1994 - 1998 

Director of Product Management Sales, WebPDM Systems

Gerber Technology 

System Sales and Product Development Consulting for Apparel, Footwear, Automotive Manufactures and Retailers.

1986 / AUGUST - 1988 / JULY 

Claiborne Men's Manager Technical Specifications

liz cl

Responsible for all technical specification development and team for design, preproduction and production and design and preproduction sample room.  Implemented Claiborne's first Microdynamics Pattern Design System.

1985 / DECEMBER - 1986 / JUNE 

Made-to-Measure Manager, Walker's Division

Hartmarx

Responsible for MTM development for regional retail stores.  Alteration scheduling, technical alteration support and fitting.

Contact Me

4535 Meredith Rd.

Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387

Tel: 937-477-3252