Mary Ellen Smith
About Mary Ellen Smith
Mary Ellen Smith is the Director of Materials Development at The North Face, where she has worked since 2011. She has extensive experience in materials research, having previously directed initiatives at Nike and Patagonia, and has been recognized for her contributions to sustainable product design in the footwear industry.
Current Role at The North Face
Mary Ellen Smith serves as the Director of Materials Development at The North Face, a position she has held since 2011. In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of innovative materials that align with the company's commitment to sustainability and performance. Her extensive experience in materials research contributes to the brand's reputation for high-quality outdoor products.
Previous Experience at Nike
Prior to her role at The North Face, Mary Ellen Smith worked at Nike for over a decade. She served as the Director of Advanced Materials Research from 1989 to 2000, where she established and directed the Materials Research departments for both footwear and apparel. During her tenure, she directed the Sustainable Product Design initiative for footwear and initiated Nike's performance materials platform, F.I.T. (Functional, Innovative, Technology).
Education and Expertise in Textiles Science
Mary Ellen Smith earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles Science from the University of Rhode Island. Her education provided a strong foundation for her career in materials development, allowing her to contribute significantly to advancements in sustainable materials and product design in the apparel and footwear industries.
Achievements and Recognition
Mary Ellen Smith has been recognized for her contributions to the field of materials development. She received the Outstanding Achievement award from the University of Rhode Island, highlighting her impact and innovation in the industry. Additionally, she founded MES Unlimited, LLC, which focuses on launching new 'green' products, further demonstrating her commitment to sustainability.
Innovations in Materials Research
Throughout her career, Mary Ellen Smith has contributed to significant innovations in materials research. At Patagonia, she worked on developing materials such as Synchilla and Capilene. She also participated in developing new composites for NASA at Kenyon Mills, showcasing her versatility and expertise in advanced materials.