AS
Open to opportunities

Amanda Starling

@amandastarling

Experienced executive director specializing in industry relations and education.

United States
Message

What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth in the education sector.

I am an accomplished executive director with extensive experience in transforming professional development processes for students and alumni in the fashion and design industry. At the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I successfully increased student engagement by 25% within eight months through strategic staff reorganization and innovative programming. My leadership has facilitated over 25 industry meetings weekly, fostering connections between students and industry leaders.

Throughout my career, I have held various department chair positions, where I conceptualized and authored accreditation standards, mentored students on international industry trips, and collaborated with Fortune 500 companies to enhance educational outcomes. My commitment to sustainability and industry relevance has led to the successful execution of numerous projects with major brands, ensuring a 100% graduation rate across multiple programs.

As a former president of Cass Industries, I managed international production and developed private label merchandise for top retailers, achieving significant profit margins. My diverse background in education and industry positions me uniquely to drive impactful initiatives that bridge the gap between academia and the fashion industry.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

FM
Current

Department Chair, The Business of Denim

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Jan 2013 - Present (12 years 6 months)

Conceptualized and authored accreditation to meet industry standards, academic rigor, and retention with a 100% graduation rate. Researched and built industry projects with major brands like Levi's, Lucky Brand, and Guess.

FM
Current

Department Chair, Special Projects

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Sep 2003 - Present (21 years 10 months)

Initiated and established a new department for grants and funding, securing over $350,000 annually for student industry opportunities. Devised and implemented industry corporate education programs, working with over 70 executives.

FM

Department Chair, Textile Science

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

May 2005 - May 2021 (16 years)

Updated coursework for over 18 textile classes across 7 majors to meet accreditation, industry AATCC, and ASTM standards. Managed and oversaw over 25 staff, 1,200 students, and an 11,000 square foot lab facility.

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising logoFM

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Master of Business Administration, Business Administration

Completed a Master of Business Administration program, focusing on advanced business principles and management strategies.

University of Arkansas logoUA

University of Arkansas

Bachelor of Science in Education, Education

Obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education, gaining foundational knowledge in educational theories and practices.

Tech stack

Software and tools used professionally

Find your dream job

Sign up now and join over 100,000 remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!

Sign up
Himalayas profile for an example user named Frankie Sullivan
Amanda Starling - Executive Director Industry Relations - Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising | Himalayas