Founder and Executive Director of Columbus Fashion Council & Fashion Week Columbus Steps Down
Ohio Pen/10221133

COLUMBUS, Ohio - OhioPen -- Thomas McClure, Founder & Executive Director of the Columbus Fashion Council, which oversees the nationally recognized Fashion Week Columbus, announced his resignation from the organization during Day 1 of The Fashion Industry Conference: The Business of Fashion Roundtable, attended by several public officials, fashion organizations, fashion schools, and the fashion community.

"For the last fourteen years I've dedicated my life to making an impact on the Central Ohio fashion community, it's been a great honor of mine. Watching many fashion designers and other small businesses in the fashion community launch their brands from the Fashion Week Columbus runway and use the educational programs, resources, services, and networks of the Columbus Fashion Council is a reminder of why the organization exists and why it's so vital for the organization to continue doing the work it does," says Thomas McClure, "The day has come to turn over the reins to new leadership, and I have every confidence in the Columbus Fashion Council board and team to continue making an impact. As the founder, I'll always be connected to the organization, and I'll always be an advocate."

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Since the launch of Fashion Week Columbus in 2010, McClure has been a key performer in putting Columbus, Ohio on the map for fashion. After the launch of the Columbus Fashion Council in 2018, McClure has expanded the fashion economy in Central Ohio through a combination of industry growth initiatives, community organizations support, brand building opportunities, and creative program development. The Columbus Fashion Council caught the attention of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and is a member of CFDA Connects program alongside 12 other major fashion organizations across the nation. Thomas McClure sits on the Leadership Committee of CFDA Connects accompanied by Lubna Najjar, Columbus Fashion Council President.

"It has been an absolute honor and a privilege to work with Thomas McClure," says Lubna Najjar, board president of the Columbus Fashion Council, "The impact and influence he has established in our community is invaluable. He is truly a selfless leader, and I look forward to supporting his future endeavors as a leader in the industry."

Nia Noelle, Columbus Fashion Council Program Director, will be stepping up to lead the organization as McClure and the board of directors conduct an Executive Director search.

Stay connected with us on our website, https://www.columbusfashioncouncil.org.