Linda Burhance

With over 40 years of experience, VOE is a globally recognized leader in post-surgical compression garments. Renowned for innovation and a steadfast focus on quality, VOE provides solutions that prioritize patient comfort and optimal recovery. Trusted by healthcare professionals and patients worldwide, the company’s garments support efficient post-surgical recovery and confidence restoration. VOE’s commitment to excellence is underlined by its ISO 13485 & ISO 9001 certifications as well as CE and FDA registrations, ensuring adherence to the highest quality and safety standards. Contact me for ground floor distributor opportunity!

As the Owner/Operator at Apparel Development Consulting I lead contract-based product development projects for private companies in the Apparel and Medical Apparel Industries. My role involves collaborating with startups to bring innovative apparel items to market, focusing on bodywear and wearable technology. Through process improvements, I successfully achieve market launches, drive business growth and improve client satisfaction through improvement of the User Experience.

As Chief Product Officer at The Marena Group, I have spearheaded the development and launch of multiple multi-million-dollar product lines, driving significant revenue growth. Leveraging deep expertise in consumer insights, garment engineering, and brand strategy, I successfully led product repositioning initiatives that have enhanced profitability and market relevance. My Executive MBA, combined with extensive industry experience, supports a strategic, data-informed approach to product innovation, team leadership, and operational excellence. Through cross-functional collaboration with global think tanks and international design teams, we’ve strengthened Marena’s global footprint and accelerated market expansion. As a bestselling author, I bring a unique creative perspective to our product storytelling—infusing innovation into every stage of development. Together with a world-class team, we are shaping the future of high-performance apparel.

Author Taunton Press, Inc. · Contract 📅 Jan 2010 – Dec 2024 · 15 yrs 📍 Newtown, CT Best-selling author of multiple knitting publications with Taunton Press, known for combining technical precision with creative design. Conceived and pitched original book concepts to the publisher. Designed and authored comprehensive knitting patterns and instructional content. Wrote editorial features showcasing craftsmanship and design innovation. Books available on Amazon and through major booksellers worldwide under Linda Zemba Burhance. Key Skills: Creative Strategy · Product Development · Fashion Design · Knitwear · Editorial Writing · Garment Construction · Design Leadership · Brand Development · Innovation Management · Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Spearheaded contract-based product development projects for private companies in the Apparel and Medical Apparel Industries. • Collaborated with startups to bring High-Performance Apparel and Medical Apparel to market, focusing on wearable technology. • Achieved successful market launches for innovative apparel items, driving business growth and client satisfaction.

SportPort™ is a patented technology system that creates a protective barrier between your body and harmful EMF radiation created by your phone. SportPortActive.com features high-performance sports apparel with state-of-the-art technical, compression engineering and designer collections for women.

Strategic apparel product development reporting to VP of Business Development as design contractor for medical and military. Designed and developed several projects with use of core business item: warp knit compression fabrics.

Apparel & Fashion Industry Leadership Highlights Championed strategic initiatives that advanced brand and business objectives, partnering with cross-functional teams across Design, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Production to ensure cohesive, on-brand execution. Led the charge in driving speed-to-market and operational efficiency, aligning daily workflow with brand priorities to meet tight seasonal deadlines and deliver trend-right product assortments. Managed and communicated seasonal development calendars and sample requirements to global sourcing and regional office teams, ensuring alignment with go-to-market strategies. Owned financial accountability for brand-level product development, supporting the creation and execution of seasonal sourcing plans that balanced quality, speed, and cost. Applied deep apparel industry knowledge and market insights to support seasonal product strategies and brand positioning, ensuring product relevance and competitive differentiation. Oversaw the product costing process—including vendor negotiations and margin management—to meet IMU and AUC goals, ensuring profitability targets were consistently achieved. Led proactive risk assessments across the development cycle, identifying potential delays or issues and implementing swift corrective actions to protect inventory flow and financial outcomes. Played a key role in building strategic vendor partnerships and allocating seasonal production to optimize factory capacity, reduce lead times, and control costs. Directed a high-performing Product Development team across multiple categories; inspired collaboration, innovation, and accountability while aligning talent development with business needs. Recruited, coached, and developed diverse talent across apparel categories and brands, creating a strong pipeline of future leaders and fostering a culture of creativity and performance.

Managed product development team of product managers, designers, cutters and sewing operators. Led “think tank” forums with international licensees and design teams to share product development ideas in order to broaden consumer appeal. Researched domestic and foreign raw material companies for development of branded and private label intimate apparel and INCREASED margins in product offering through vendor relationship management. Presented new product concepts to potential buyers and buying groups, as well as national and international sales teams and external merchandising team. Conceptualized and developed fashion shows for annual national sales meeting in order to visually communicate with sales team and industry executives.

Fashion Show Production, Apparel Design, Costume Design, French and Italian studies, Art History

Executive MBA program with International Colloquium in Poland, Austria, Linz and Prague with a focus on emerging markets. Thesis on NAFTA, before and after.