True Textiles

Christopher J. (Chris) Richard is the President and CEO of True Textiles, Inc. Chris joined the company in 2003 after serving as Senior Vice President of Collins & Aikman in Troy, Michigan. Prior to that, Chris spent six years as President of Guilford Mills Automotive Group. Chris also served three years as Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Garden State Tanning, Inc., an automotive leather supplier.

Chris received his B.A. in Economics from Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio in 1978. He is a member of the BIFMA Board of Directors. Chris is the father of four children and currently lives in East Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Meg.

Robert H. (Rob) Harper, is Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for True Textiles, Inc. Rob joined the company in 2004. He began his career 17 years ago with Collins & Aikman as a supervisor in the automotive carpets division in North Carolina. He worked in management positions in manufacturing and production planning, leading to senior level management of sales, marketing, design, research and development in Troy, Michigan.

Rob attended The Citadel for undergraduate work; he has also graduated from the Michigan State University Executive Leadership program, and the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business’ Executive Program in Strategic Sales Management. He remains active in the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, BIFMA and the Economic Club of Grand Rapids. Rob, and his wife, Jennifer, have six children: Emmi Beth, Emma, Zachary, Anna Caroline, Delaney and Ainsleigh, and make their home in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Kim Thompson is the Chief Financial Officer for True Textiles, Inc. and is located in our Elkin, North Carolina facility. Kim joined the company in 2004. She has also held positions as Chief Financial Officer for Guilford Mills, Inc. and Open Software Solutions, Inc.

Kim has a B.S. in Accounting from Belmont Abbey College in Charlotte, NC. She and her husband, Steve, have three children and reside in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.

Mike Rose is Senior Vice President of Operations and Research and Development at True Textiles, Inc. He joined True Textiles in 2004, as Vice President of Design, Research and Development. Mike has over 30 years of textile industry experience, primarily in manufacturing, product design and development, and spent much of his career with two major textile manufacturers; Collins & Aikman, and Milliken & Co. Prior to joining True Textiles, he served as Director of Product Development at Victor Innovatex, St. Georges, Quebec, Canada.

Mike received his B.S. degree in Textile Chemistry at N.C. State University and is the father of one son. Mike presently resides in Davidson, NC with his wife, Kristen.

William (Bill) Swift is Vice President Supply Chain for True Textiles, Inc. Bill has been with the company for 25 years. Previously, Bill worked for Burlington Industries and Nabisco. He has a total of 38 years experience in the textile industry.

Bill is a graduate of the University of Memphis. He is the father of two children, and grandfather of four grandchildren. He resides in Corinna, Maine with his wife, Deborah.

Kirk Crisman is Senior Vice President of Human Resources for True Textiles, Inc. Kirk joined the company in 2007 and works out of our Elkin facility. He has over 30 years experience in senior human resources positions in the textile, steel and newspaper industries.

Kirk received his B.A. in Sociology from Newberry College in 1973. He is the father of four children and has five grandchildren. Kirk resides in Clemmons, North Carolina with his wife, Nan.

Paul Paydos is Senior Vice President Planning and Purchasing for True Textiles, Inc. Paul has been with the company for 27 years and has 40 years experience in textiles.

Paul has two children and resides in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine with his wife, Christine.

Kristen Dettoni is Senior Director of Design for True Textiles, Inc. Kristen started her career at True Textiles in 1994 in the contract market, returned in 2000 and returned again in 2004 to start up the automotive division. Kristen has 7 years experience in the contract market and 7 years experience in the automotive market in both design and advanced product development.

Kristen attended Kansas City Art Institute earning a BFA in 1991 and then continued on to receive her masters from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1993. Kristen holds a patent in “Lightweight Suspension Panel for Vehicle Seating and Door Panels” and continues to show her artwork. She was most recently featured in an article in the Oct/Nov 2007 America Craft Magazine for her piece entitled “Zero Impact” displayed in the “Hot House” exhibition at Cranbrook. Kristen resides in North Carolina with her husband, Mike.

Richard F. (Rick) Cowan is Vice President and Chief Information Officer for True Textiles, Inc. Rick joined the company in November of 1998 after serving three years as the Director of IT Operations for Dexter Shoe Company. Rick’s prior experience includes 12+ years in software development and technical roles for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Maine Public Broadcasting and Saint Joseph’s Hospital.

Rick received his B.A. in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Maine at Orono in 1987. Rick is the father of three children and currently resides in Orrington, Maine with his wife, Dawn.