Daren Abney

Daren Abney became the Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol in July 2023, where he focuses on helping farmers address climate change, supporting sustainable practices among textile brands and retailers, and collaborating with NGOs on sustainability initiatives. He oversees the U.S. Climate Smart Cotton Program, part of the USDA's Climate Smart initiative. Daren has 15 years of experience in the apparel and fashion industry, working with organizations like Better Cotton and Textile Exchange. He holds a B.A. in Advertising and Marketing from Texas Tech University and an M.A. in Business Administration from West Texas A&M University. Daren lives in Lubbock, Texas, with his wife, Andrea, and their two children.