Jeannamarie Cox, Principal
I have been in the Midwest: Yellow Springs, Ohio area for 30 years where I raised my two daughters; by far my greatest achievement. In 2022, my role at home expands to Grandmother!
Professionally, with a degree from Ohio University in Fashion, I have built an award-winning career in the US fashion/apparel industry. I have had the opportunity to travel extensively for the apparel industry with leadership positions in a variety of responsibilities in Design, Manufacturing, Sourcing, and the supporting technology.
As an encore career, in 2016, I joined the Yellow Springs Community Foundation (YSCF) to implement their strategic plan which has proved an exciting local opportunity for both the YSCF and me. I am committed to giving back to the community and make time to serve in positions of local nonprofits in addition to the YSCF; The Yellow Springs Development Corporation and previously with John Bryan Community Pottery, the Little Art Theatre, and The Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Whether in the private, public or nonprofit sector, I am vested, curious, solve problems, take responsibility, improve performance and raise the quality of those lives I touch.
Passion
2016 began a new chapter for the Yellow Spring Community Foundation and for me. After some thirty years in the apparel industry, I broaden my course becoming Executive Director charged with implementation of the Foundation’s strategic plan. I have lived in Miami Township for 30 years, commuting for work to points far and wide where apparel is designed, made, and shipped. It is an exciting career, yet, when I was home and engaging with local nonprofits, I also felt rewarded.
The first few months learning the new language of “foundations” quickly turned into 5 years. We have a good team (Board, Staff and Volunteers) and provide support to our local nonprofits while supporting our donor’s philanthropic plans.
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 - PRESENT
Principal, Apparel Executive Management Consultant
JCox, An Apparel Services Company
Key consulting projects with JCox, WWA (Walter Wilhelm and Associates) and AAPN PROAmerica (American Apparel Producers Network). Successfully delivered on a wide variety of consulting projects including Kayser-Roth “HUE” – Executive Leadership Development, PLM reboot, and Calendar Enhancement; VF Corporation - PLM Evaluation and Implementation Footwear; Fast Retailing - PLM Implementation, Color and PD Technology Enhancement, Calendar Enhancement and ERP Integration with PLM; rag & bone - Calendar Enhancement and Fit Improvement; Image Solutions - Sourcing Strategy; Various non-profit 501 (c)(3) and
for- profit Executive Director Mentoring and Strategy Development
2012 – 2017
Owner / Designer
Basho, Screen Printing Company
Eco-Friendly Handcrafted Screen-Printing custom pieces, samples to bulk
1994 - 2017
Co-Owner and Co-Creator
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 - 2015
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.
2004 - 2012
GK Services
2011 – 2012
Vice President Customer Experience
Corporate Officer, Lead Customer Service, Sales, Design, Product Development, Merchandising and Marketing for integrated Catalog and Program Direct Purchase uniform businesses
2004 - 2011
Vice President and General Manager
Lion Uniform Group, division of G&K Services
Corporate Officer, P&L responsibility for direct purchase uniform business servicing fortune 500companies to small businesses’ managed employee uniform programs. Division acquired from LION
2003 - 2004
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
Director of 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 Manufacturers and Retailers
1986 - 1988
Manager Technical Specifications Claiborne Men's
Liz Claiborne Corp
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 - 1986
Made-to-Measure Manager
Walker's Division - Hartmarx
Responsible for MTM development for regional retail stores: alteration scheduling, technical alteration support and fitting