FDRA (Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America) is a non-profit organization promoting the free flow of footwear into the U.S. and throughout the world. FDRA represents footwear retailers, distributors, manufacturers, suppliers and international trade associations.

FDRA's Mission

FDRA shall advocate its members' interests, especially in free trade, and keep its members well informed on
all important issues that advance commercial interests common to the membership.

FDRA's Goals

• To undertake representation and advocacy activities to promote the free-flow of footwear into the U.S. and throughout the world.
• To provide educational materials, surveys and programs to update its members on commercial, legal, and technical developments that affect their businesses.
• To involve itself in footwear industry affairs and to play a constructive role in finding ways for our members to do business more efficiently.

Our Staff

Matt Priest, President <mpriest@fdra.org>
Matt Priest joined FDRA in January 2009.  Prior to FDRA he served as senior advisor to Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and deputy assistant secretary for textiles and apparel at the U.S. Department of Commerce.  As deputy assistant secretary he oversaw programs and strategies to improve the domestic and international competitiveness of the U.S. footwear, fiber, textiles, and apparel industries. Priest was also chairman of the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), which determines when market-disrupting factors exist in the domestic fiber, textiles and apparel marketplace.

Previously, Priest served as senior advisor to the assistant secretary for import administration at the Commerce Department, where he advised the assistant secretary on textile and trade issues. Prior to his appointment, Priest served as legislative director for Representative Sue Myrick of North Carolina, where he was an advisor in the areas of textiles, trade and economic development.

Priest earned his BA in political science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He lives with his wife and daughters in Springfield, VA.

Stephanie Ward, Director of Marketing and Communications <stephanie@fdra.org>
Stephanie Ward directs the marketing and communication efforts of FDRA. She brings nearly ten years of experience in marketing for nonprofits in the DC area, including the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, the National Wildlife Federation and the Embassy of Australia.As a graphic designer, Stephanie creates all marketing collateral and manages the FDRA brand for meetings, membership and publications. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and currently resides in Washington, DC.

Faith Lewis, Director of Finance <flewis@fdra.org>
Faith Lewis prepares audits, statistical reports, graphs and charts, and serves as full-charge bookkeeper. She and her husband have three grown sons and a dog, Toby. Lewis commutes by train from their home in Western Maryland. An avid golfer with a handicap of thirteen, Lewis plays competitively with the Women's District Golf Association and has won the President's Cup in the past two consecutive years.

Ice Chen, Asia Outreach Associate <ichen@fdra.org>
Based in Guangzhou, China, Mr. Chen's primary responsibilities include outreach to FDRA's International Footwear Affiliate Members (IFAM) and identifying ways in which we can improve service to IFAM members with enhanced communication, news, education and information.  

Mr. Chen works with one of FDRA's strategic consulting partners in China, INFACT Global Partners, supporting footwear factories and helping to improve their productivity. Prior to joining INFACT, he worked at Pegasus Footwear Company in Guangzhou for five years, most recently as Assistant Manager.  Chen has extensive footwear industry experience, exceptional language skills and is eager to help FDRA more effectively serve our IFAM members.