Stephen Sothmann has been named President of the U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association (USHSLA), a division of the American Meat Institute (AMI), by the USHSLA Board of Directors beginning January 1, 2014, following the retirement of current President John Reddington. Sothmann is the current Director of International Affairs for both USHSLA and AMI.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to continue to work with Stephen in his new role,” said Mike Larson, Senior Director, International Hides and Leather Sales, Tyson Fresh Meats and Chairman of the USHSLA Board of Directors. “He has been an asset to our industry and will be a strong leader for the organization.”

USHSLA is the exclusive industry representative of U.S. hides and skins producers, processors, brokers, dealers and exporters. The industry, which exports more than $2 billion in U.S. agricultural goods each year, is a major raw materials supplier to the global leather value chain. U.S. hides and skins products can be found in everything from footwear and fashion articles to automotive and furniture upholstery the world over.

“Stephen has developed a solid reputation as an advocate for the U.S. hides and skins industry, both domestically and abroad. His demonstrated commitment to address the most important issues facing the industry will continue to be a benefit for U.S. firms,” said AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle.

Sothmann has served as Director of International Affairs of USHSLA and AMI since August 2011.  He has a law degree and Master of Business Administration from Indiana University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University, and has previously worked on Capitol Hill for various Senators and Congressmen, including Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana.

Source: AMI