Matt leads daily operations at FDRA and FFANY, the largest and most influential footwear trade associations in the US, going above and beyond our mission to serve the industry. As a trade policy expert and skilled negotiator, he advocates on behalf of the industry for the elimination of outdated, restrictive footwear tariffs. →Full team bios
Staff
Matt Priest
President & CEO
Andy oversees communications, marketing, events, and member services. He leads FDRA to develop and launch value-add products, services, and development, and directs the industry’s sustainability and innovation programs, helping brands digitize supply chains and reduce environmental footprint. →Full team bios
Andy Polk
Senior Vice President
Executive Director, Footwear Innovation Foundation
Thomas manages government relations, FDRA’s advocacy on issues impacting the footwear industry, including U.S. international trade policy, global trade barriers, customs, and product safety. Prior to FDRA, he served as Legislative Counsel in the office of Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-AL). →Full team bios
Thomas Crockett
Senior Vice President, Government Relations
Sandi engages members and the broader industry to drive continued value for shoe companies. She leads the Fashion Footwear Association of New York, ensuring the continued vibrancy of FFANY Market Weeks, and is President and Chair of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation. →Full team bios
Sandi Mines
Vice President, Corporate Engagement
President, FFANY
President & Chair, FFCF
As Chief Economist, Gary researches issues affecting the footwear supply chain. He analyzes trends in commodity prices, foreign trade, manufacturing, retail, and consumer sentiment impacting footwear markets to help FDRA members make informed decisions, boosting their bottom lines. →Full team bios
Gary Raines
Chief Economist
Sabria manages marketing and event planning within FDRA’s marketing team. She leads the Black Footwear Forum and operates its national and chapter events, working to increase Black-American representation in the footwear industry. →Full team bios
Sabria Butler
Marketing and Events Manager
Jolie serves membership through marketing, engagement, and event planning, driving new energy through FDRA’s social media platforms. She manages FFANY Market Week and Pop-Up operations, and is an integral part of the Shoes for a Cure marketing team. →Full team bios
Jolie Gracia
Marketing and Events Coordinator
Ashley serves as the association’s creative force for branding and communications. She manages member content throughout the association’s event, initiative, and program websites and marketing materials, and supports event production alongside the marketing team. →Full team bios
Ashley Moore
Creative Director
Christie brings diverse experience to the marketing team, energizing FDRA’s media programming, including the Shoe-In Show Podcast and FFANY’s Trend Watch. She drives innovation for the association through special initiatives, member engagement, and event support. →Full team bios
Christie Horan
Marketing and Media Coordinator
John is the industry’s go-to footwear customs duties expert with 40+ years experience concentrated on the regulatory and commercial aspects of international trade. His client portfolio focused on government regulation of the import-export trade, duty planning, and admissibility requirements. →Full team bios