The appointments come as the sustainability programme and traceability platform aims to grow its presence in the market and increase collaboration throughout the cotton value chain.
Walker will direct operational aspects of the Trust Protocol, overseeing teams responsible for standards and assurance, field programmes, communications and marketing, and operations.
She will manage the verification process and work on updating standards to include regenerative practices, with a focus on risk management, stakeholder engagement, and clear messaging.
Hershfield’s role will involve leading global market development and supply chain activities. She will be responsible for managing traceability systems, operations, training and assurance processes to maintain member compliance across the supply chain, as well as fostering deeper engagement with mills, brands, manufacturers, and retailers.
Furthermore, Hershfield will work to connect sustainability efforts with value for programme members.
US Cotton Trust Protocol president Dr Gary Adams said: “This new leadership structure, with both Marjory and Liz as co-directors, will strengthen our focus on key areas, streamline our processes, and foster greater collaboration across the organisation. Their combined expertise in sustainability, supply chain management, industry knowledge and communications will be invaluable in advancing the Trust Protocol’s mission to provide verified, more sustainably grown cotton. We are confident in their ability to take on these expanded roles.”
Alongside her responsibilities at the Trust Protocol, Walker is vice president of Council Operations and director of Communications at the National Cotton Council (NCC), where she handles operations and communication services. Her career includes senior positions at both the NCC and the Cotton Board.
Hershfield holds the position of Executive Director at Cotton Council International (CCI), which promotes exports as part of the NCC. She has over 30 years’ experience in fashion industry leadership and sustainability, having led initiatives for brands such as J.Crew, Madewell, Bonobos, and Old Navy.
The US Cotton Trust Protocol operates as a voluntary sustainability programme for cotton producers in the US and serves as a traceability platform for all US cotton.
The report, which assessed progress against a 2015 baseline across six sustainability metrics, showed that US Cotton Trust Protocol growers met or surpassed five of the six national continuous improvement targets established for 2025.
