Spanning North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, the Piedmont Section connects professionals across the region and helps strengthen the textile industry’s shared foundation. We extend our appreciation to the dedicated officers whose leadership and commitment make community-building throughout the Piedmont region possible. Explore how Local Sections foster meaningful relationships, regional collaboration, and industry engagement,
Chair: William (Buddy) Garrett Buddy Garrett has extensive experience in the textile industry, holding positions such as Associate Director of Textile Chemistry Research at Cotton Incorporated, Sr. Manager of Dyeing Services at Abercrombie & Fitch, Dyeing Technical Manager at International Textile Group, and Dyeing Department Manager at United Piece Dye Works. Garrett holds a Master of Business Administration from Elon University and a Bachelor of Science in Textile Science from North Carolina State University. He has been a member of AATCC since 2011 and has served in many roles including Chair of RA34 Preparation Test Methods and Chemical Applications Interest Group Chair. He looks forward to continuing to Chair the Piedmont Section.
Vice-Chair: Barry Brady Barry Brady has been a member of AATCC since 1979 and currently serves on both the AATCC and AATCC Foundation Boards of Directors. Since 2023, he has held the roles of 13th Treasurer of AATCC and 6th Treasurer of the Foundation, guiding financial growth and stability. He was the 2025 recipient of the Harold C. Chapin Award, celebrating his achievements and dedicated service to the Association. Brady chairs the Committee on Conferences and contributes to several administrative committees, including the Study Committee of Employee Benefits, Building Committee, and Appropriations Committee. Previously, he chaired and moderated sessions for the Yarn Dyeing Technology Research Committee (1993–2008) and organized Yarn Dyeing and Jet Dyeing symposia. An enthusiastic advocate for education, he has judged student competitions, evaluated scholarships, and inspired countless members to engage in AATCC programs. Barry has been with Organic Dyes and Pigments for many years. He is the Southeast Regional Manager, working with significant customers in the Southeast, as well as managing Organic Dye’s Union, SC manufacturing facility, labs and warehouse.
Treasurer: Brandon Francois Brandon Francois is an account manager at Silver Fern Chemical. He has been a member of AATCC since 2017. He is a member of the Piedmont Section, and currently serves as Treasurer. Francois graduated with a BS in Packaging Science from Clemson University in 2015. After graduation, he worked with Berry Plastics, Pulcra Chemicals, and HeiQ. Throughout his career, Francois has gained experience in chemical applications by working with global brands, focusing on materials innovation and sustainability. At Silver Fern Chemical, he is a sales leader serving the US specialty chemical market with tailored supply-chain solutions for customers across HII, CASE, agriculture, textiles, nonwovens, and beyond. He is focused on developing long term partnerships and introducing Silver Fern to new markets across the Southeast, Gulf, and Midwest.
Secretary: Heather Johnson Heather Johnson has been a member of AATCC since 2016 and has been involved in the AATCC Student Chapter at North Carolina State University since 2014. Johnson currently is a Quality Lead with American & Efird, an Elevate Textiles company, in North Carolina, USA. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Polymer and Color Chemistry in 2016 from NCSU. She served on the Executive Committee on Research from 2020-2022 and chaired RA36 Color Measurement in 2022-2024.
If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to the Piedmont Section Officers today!