Author: Kris Cnossen, Director of Communications and Chair of Newsletter Committee
Hello! I’m Kris Cnossen, and I’ve had the joy of helping bring the Newsletter back to the Textile Society of America. This work is anything but solo. I’ve been lucky to collaborate with the incredibly talented volunteers Jennifer Pellman and Karen Perlman, whose contributions make this publication possible. I’m also deeply grateful to our Executive Director, Ashley, for her support in relaunching the Newsletter, and to Annabelle Camp, TSA Treasurer, for her editorial contributions. I can’t thank these folks enough.
Some of you may know the history of the TSA Newsletter—I’ll come back to that. But first, a bit about me.
If I had my way, I’d skip straight to the history and stay out of the spotlight. But as I look back on my final year as Director of Communications, I’m feeling reflective. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the TSA board since 2023, often behind the scenes, running tech for virtual programs, maintaining the website, writing and editing announcements, supporting accessibility initiatives, managing our members-only Facebook page, and continuing the Member Monday Feature.
Although I stepped into the Director role in early 2025, I’ve been part of the Communications Committee since 2023. Alongside former Director of Communications Sara Clugage and former Communications Administrator Sara Rosenthal, we’ve worked to create a stronger, more responsive experience for our members. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together, with your feedback, your time, and your trust.
TSA has evolved significantly in that time, embracing hybrid and virtual programming while becoming more accessible and sustainable. The Newsletter reflects that same spirit of adaptability.
Since 1989, TSA has published a Newsletter, a major undertaking once led by its own dedicated committee. As the organization evolved, so did its structure. In 2019, the Newsletter transitioned fully online as TSA News, shifting to a blog-style format with rolling article releases, and formal calls for submissions paused. That remained the model until Spring 2025, when I oversaw the relaunch of the Newsletter.
Since then, we’ve been listening, refining, and growing. We’re seeing an exciting influx of articles, expanding our book list, and sharing more member news than ever before. The future of the Newsletter is bright, and it’s yours.
This is my penultimate Newsletter for TSA. If you’ve been as inspired by the work happening here as I have, keep an eye out for the Call for Nominations and consider joining this supportive, forward-thinking board. Help build the textile future you want to see. It takes work, but together, I have found it to be joyful work.
