Both the Cotton Board and Cotton Incorporated — the two organizations representing the Cotton Research & Promotion Program — recently welcomed new chairmen to represent their Boards of Directors in 2006.

Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing for Sara Lee Branded Apparel, Nancy Marino, is the new chairman of the Cotton Board, while Georgia cotton producer, Louie Perry, is the new chairman of Cotton Incorporated. “The two new chairmen bring invaluably diverse backgrounds and experiences to their leadership role that will benefit them as they help lead the Cotton Research & Program,” said Cotton Board President and CEO, William P. Crawford.Cotton Board Chairman, Nancy Marino, replaces Texas cotton producer, Kent Nix — who has served the Cotton Board as chairman for the past two years, in addition to his role as an alternate and member since 1991.

Marino's role as chairman of the Cotton Board will be to help guide the organization to effectively administer and oversee the Cotton Research & Promotion Program as funded by U.S. producers and importers of cotton and cotton products.

Cotton Incorporated Chairman, Louie Perry, replaces Arkansas cotton producer, Bill Weaver — who has dutifully served on Cotton Incorporated's board since 1987, and as chairman for the last two years. Perry's role as chairman of Cotton Incorporated will be to assist the organization in reaching its target audience — consumers of cotton products — while increasing the demand for and profitability of cotton.

The Cotton Board is comprised of 72 members and alternates (44 producers; 28 importers) and one consumer advisor. Cotton Incorporated has a total of 59 directors and 58 alternates, all of whom are producers of U.S. cotton.

About the Cotton Board:The Cotton Board administers and oversees the Cotton Research & Promotion Program conducted by Cotton Incorporated for America's cotton producers and importers. For more information about the Cotton Board, please visit www.cottonboard.org.