Forrest Cannon
About Forrest Cannon
Forrest Cannon is the Manager of Innovation Development for Materials Apparel at The North Face, where he leads research and development initiatives with various partners to introduce new technologies. He has extensive experience in textile engineering and has held multiple roles in the industry since 2012.
Current Role at The North Face
Forrest Cannon serves as the Manager of Innovation Development - Materials Apparel at The North Face, a VF Company, since 2023. In this role, he leads research and development initiatives in collaboration with strategic mill partners, startups, and academic institutions. His focus is on bringing new technologies to market, enhancing the performance and sustainability of apparel materials. This position is based in Denver, Colorado, and involves direct engagement with various stakeholders to ensure that innovations align with market needs.
Previous Experience in Materials Development
Prior to his current role, Forrest Cannon held several positions at The North Face, including Senior Materials Developer - Innovation from 2021 to 2023 and Trim Developer from 2019 to 2021. His experience also includes working as a Textile Engineer at ATACAMA, Inc. and as an R&D Design Engineer at medi USA. These roles contributed to his expertise in materials development and innovation within the apparel industry.
Educational Background in Textile Engineering
Forrest Cannon earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Textile Engineering from North Carolina State University, where he studied from 2014 to 2016. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Textile Technology from the same institution, completed from 2010 to 2014. His academic background provided a strong foundation in textile science and engineering principles, which he applies in his professional roles.
Research and Development Contributions
Throughout his career, Forrest Cannon has contributed to various research and development projects. He has collaborated with athletes to ensure that new innovations meet performance needs. His previous roles included positions as a Graduate Research Assistant and Laboratory Technician at the Textile Protection and Comfort Center, where he gained valuable experience in textile research.
Internship and Early Career Experience
Forrest Cannon began his career with an internship as a Process Engineering Intern at Polymer Group Inc in 2013. This early experience, along with his subsequent roles in the textile industry, helped him develop practical skills and knowledge in materials engineering and development, setting the stage for his future positions in innovation and research.