Karl H. Spilhaus

President, National Textile Association; President, Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute

Mr. Spilhaus is president of the National Textile Association, the largest association of textile companies in the U.S. NTA members are active in every sector of the textile industry, as well as related supplier industries. Mr. Spilhaus joined NTA in 1976 as a staff lawyer, was promoted to executive vice president and CEO In 1979 and then elected president in 1982.

Mr. Spilhaus was appointed The Camel Hair & Cashmere Institute of America’s first executive director. CCIA was founded in 1984 by members of the Northern Textile Association and the group changed its name to the Cashmere & Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute in 1990 and elected Mr. Spilhaus as its president. Today, the Institute is the leading authority on domestic and international issues concerning luxury fibers and superfine wool and advises on labeling, international standards, supply and market trends.

Mr. Spilhaus is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, the New England School of Law and a member of the Massachusetts Bar. He has over thirty years of experience in the textile industry. Mr. Spilhaus is also president of American Flock Association; an affiliate of NTA representing flock manufacturers and industry suppliers with operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. AFA provides positive leadership to foster a strong flock industry in North America.

In his capacity as the President of NTA and CCMI he has served as an advisor on bi-lateral and multi-lateral textile agreements and negotiations for the U.S. Government. Mr. Spilhaus was principally responsible for the passage of the amendments to the United States Wool Products Labeling Act, which resulted in the statutory codification of the Super S code.

Mr. Spilhaus also serves on numerous committees and boards for textile related organizations such as the International Wool Textile Organization (IWTO), American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), American Textile History Museum (ATHM), U-Mass Dartmouth Textile Advisory Council; just to name a few.

Mr. Spilhaus is a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. He lives in South Natick, Massachusetts with his wife Constance.