FBI Executive Board

Frances Harder, Founder, President/Executive Director

Frances is an entrepreneur and educator, who prior to self-publishing Fashion for Profit and co-founding the Fashion Business Incorporated (FBI) was a full time Assoc. Professor at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Frances conceived of the FBI in 1998 to provide vital business development, resources and education to creative designer/manufacturers, who lack the critical business skills to become successful in today's competitive environment. Frances has extensive international design and teaching experience and has had her own name under license in Japan. Frances is also a partner in California Style Group, which provides international consulting on branding, licensing and product development. Fashion for Profit is an extensive text book which covers the nuts to bolts of starting an apparel company; from licenses, financing, production, costing, sales representation and finally to opening a retail store. Frances's book is used and sold internationally. She has recently produced a two-hour DVD to complement the information provided in her book. Frances studied art and majored in fashion design in England.

John Bernards, Treasurer

John Bernards has been a prominent figure in the Apparel Industry. John is designated as one of the Lifestyle Industry "Surf Pioneers",and was the President of MAGIC International from 1980-1992. He currently is the President of the Skateboard Association and a Professor at the Otis College of Art and Design.

Henry Cherner, Secretary

Principal and Partner of AIMS Technology Solutions, Inc.
Henry Cherner is a veteran in the apparel industry with over 34 years experience. He is principal and partner of AIMS, Apparel Information Management System, an industry leader in apparel software since 1984. Henry serves on the Advisory Board at Cal Poly Pomona, California Design College, Los Angeles Trade Technical College and Fashion Business Inc. He also teaches a class at Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) titled "Fashion Computer Applications" in the Spring Semesters.

FBI Board 

Jesse Atilano, Voting Member

Jesse L. Atilano, President/CEO of Labor Law Employer Defense Corporation was invited to participate and inaugurated as a Board Member of the FBI in February of 2002.  Jesse Atilano has an extensive background in labor related issues as they apply to the apparel industry and is also well respected by both State and Federal labor enforcement agencies since his background also included having numerous positions with the California Labor Commission including that of a Criminal Investigator.  Mr. Atilano firm currently represents some of the most prominent apparel manufacturers in the United States, in addition to representing many other industries plagued with enforcement issues.  Jesse L. Atilano is a graduate of UCLA and currently has corporate office in Commerce California in addition to a South America office located in Mexico.

Bruce Berton, Voting Member

Director of Int'l Business Consulting Bruce Berton, an Officer and Director of International Business Consulting, provides consulting services domestically as well as internationally. His industry concentrations are textile/apparel, manufacturing/ distribution, retail, international site selection, US customs/treaty regulations, international legal services, and international accounting due diligence services. Since 1960, Bruce has been a hands-on apparel industry executive and consultant with diverse manufacturing, retail and importing expertise. Bruce assists clients with NAFTA documentation; strategic alliance programs; legal and customs issues; financial and budget planning; cost advantages; development of Mexico and US management; treaty regulations of NAFTA, CBERA, CBI, and AGOA; labor compliance and code of conduct regulations; and cross-cultural communication, exporting and importing. He worked in China, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and the Philippines for over 30 years. Bruce is a senior advisor and board member of the Export Textile Advisor Commission (ETAC), under the U.S. Department of Trade/Commerce.

Martin Hughes, Voting Member

Moss Adams LLP, Full Service CPA serving the Apparel Industry for over 40 years. Martin has practiced public accounting for over 20 years. He has provided assurance and consulting services to public and privately-held middle market clients in the apparel, manufacturing and distribution industries. Martin has significant experience in dealing with accounting, auditing and general business and management matters, including communicating with the financing community.

Brian Kastner, Voting Member

Gerber Technology

Robert Krieger, Voting Member

President of Norman Krieger, Inc.
Norman Krieger is an International Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Otay Mesa, Calexico and Hong Kong. With 20+ year's industry experience as a licensed Customs Broker, Robert has taught classes at UCLA and Cal State in international trade and transportation. As a father of 6 children, Robert enjoys family life as well as collecting antique pens and watches.

Jeff McConnell, Voting Member

Mr. McConnell, Director of Legislative Advocacy at Arnie Berghoff & Associates is also a registered lobbyist and has been part of the firm since 2003. In addition to lobbying, Mr. McConnell is responsible for monitoring and analyzing legislation and administrative actions of various municipal agencies for potential impacts or opportunities for the firm’s clients. He also drafts language and arguments for proposed legislation or actions that promote client business interests. Mr. McConnell is an active member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce where he serves on the Transportation and Goods Movement, Environmental Quality, and Education and Workforce committees. Prior to joining Arnie Berghoff & Associates, Mr. McConnell was Legislative Deputy to Los Angeles City Councilmember Nick Pacheco. His duties included oversight of Downtown Los Angeles development, the City Department of Transportation, the Departments of Public Works, the Library Department, and the City’s budget.

David Nordella, Voting Member

Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager International Banking, East West Bank.
East West Bank is the second largest full service commercial bank headquartered in Los Angeles. The firm provides specialized trade finance programs with overseas locations including a branch in Hong Kong and a representative office in Beijing, China. East West's team of international bankers stands ready to guide commercial clients through the complexities of conducting import or export business in a foreign country.

Andrew Raggatt, Voting Member

Partner, Delphic Consulting Group After a distinguished career in Australia holding senior marketing positions with Toyota and Toshiba, Andrew embarked on his apparel and footwear journey. Initially as Marketing Director for Australia’s largest vertically integrated apparel manufacturer, Andrew was responsible for managing 7 major brands distributed throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia. He also obtained the licenses for Body Glove, OP, and several of the professional sporting associations. Andrew was then hired by the original owners of UGG to assist with the introduction and expansion of the sheepskin boot phenomenon. When UGG was acquired by Deckers Outdoor, Andrew took over the original UGG owners operation and began EMU, which quickly established itself as the number two brand in the category with sales exceeding $30 globally. Andrew sold EMU in March of 2006 and began a consulting business (Delphic Consulting Group) with Dana Fried, previously the CFO/COO at Taryn Rose footwear. Together they offer seamless advice to established and emerging apparel and footwear companies, these areas include sourcing, manufacturing, branding, and finance.

Robert Silverstone, Voting Member

Robert Silverstone has been an apparel industry professional for more than 30 years, specializing in sales and marketing. Today, he is an author, certified professional coach and seminar leader. Through his own company, Silverstone Consulting, he provides a unique mix of apparel industry experience and professional coaching skills to apparel executives and business owners.

Allison Stern, Voting Member

Allison launched and currently runs RonHerman.com,the online arm of Ron Herman specialty stores. Prior to Ron Herman, Allison was the Category Manager of Clothing, Shoes & Accessories at eBay in San Jose, CA. Allison received her MBA from Stanford University where she started the first ever Retail & Apparel club which now boasts over 100 active members. Her business focus is on Marketing and business analytics.

Debra Stevenson, Voting Member