Don Alexander is President of Anovotek, LLC an entrepreneurial company he founded in 2003. Anovotek is a science based, product oriented and market driven company focused on bringing exceptional value to customers through innovative performance technologies integrated into products made from fibers, polymers and textiles. Anovotek has worked with a broad variety of clients including single inventors, multi-billion/year revenue corporations, foundations, universities, and government organizations in over 20 countries. Anovotek continues to work with both international and domestic entities to develop, license and commercialize innovative technologies and products through consulting services, sourcing, manufacturing and Anovotek Brands sold direct-to-consumer.
Education
Don received a B. S. in Textile Chemistry from Clemson University and a M. S. in Textiles from the Institute of Textile Technology.
Organizations and community service
Mr. Alexander has over 33 years of experience in textile and associated industries holding positions in R&D, Manufacturing Management, Executive Leadership and Entrepreneurial Company start-ups.
He is currently a Senior Member of AATCC, is a past member of the AATCC Foundation Board, past chair of the Environmental, Safety, and Health Committee RA-100 of AATCC, member of the University of Georgia AFFOA Advisory Board, Program Chair of the Southern Textile Research Conference, past member of the Industrial Advisory Board of the School of Textiles at Clemson University, past member of the EPRI Textile Advisory Committee at North Carolina State University and served on the Technical Advisory Committee of the National Textile Center.
Alexander is a frequent speaker at conferences and symposia. He is a member of First Baptist Church Barnwell, member of the Rotary Club International, Board Chair – SC National Heritage Corridor, past Chair of the Sweetwater Country Club Board, past Chair of the Barnwell County Hospital Board and is involved in numerous community service initiatives.
Past work experience
In 1999 Alexander joined Guilford Mills, an $800 + million annual revenue textile manufacturer, as Corporate Vice President of Technology, responsible for all aspects of technology, technical services, and research and development. Alexander was a Director of the company and served on the corporate leadership team headed by the CEO. In addition to his responsibilities as Vice President of Technology, he also served for one year as Vice President of Manufacturing for the apparel and home fashions business unit. Don was instrumental in the planning, construction and start-up of a new industrial park and manufacturing facility near Altimara Mexico.
Prior, Alexander spent twelve years ending in 1999 at the Institute of Textile Technology located in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he was Director of Chemical, Energy, and Environmental programs. He was responsible for applied research, monitoring of global technology development, and industry consulting and expanded ITT’s focus on environmental & energy programs. Alexander was also involved in the creation and management of an industry-wide project between the textile industry and the US Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories called the
AMTEX Partnership and was instrumental in the development and management of a large environmental project called the Textile Resource Conservation Project which included 40 participating industrial companies and 8 National Laboratories. Alexander managed all facets of the project including participation of 115 industry representatives working with 29 National Laboratory scientists. Alexander also taught in the Graduate program and participated extensively in ITT’s continuing education seminars.
Prior to joining ITT, Alexander worked with Milliken & Company in manufacturing and technical management.
