D. Harding Stowe is President and Chief Operating Officer of R. L. Stowe Mills Inc. in Belmont, a 106-year old family owned business.  He is also President of the Daniel J. Stowe Botanical Garden, Vice President of the Robert Lee Stowe, Jr. Foundation, Inc., Chairman and CEO of Brixx Woodfired Pizza, and serves on the board of directors of Downtown Belmont, Inc.

Mr. Stowe earned a bachelor’s degree in textile management from Clemson University.

He joined R. L. Stowe Mills in May 1978 as a vice president.  During his 29 years of service, he has served in the capacities of senior vice president, assistant treasurer, executive vice president, chief operating officer, and in 1994 was promoted to president and chief executive officer, the position he holds today. 

Active in the community, Mr. Stowe serves as chairman of the board of advisors of Belmont Abbey College and is also a member of their board of trustees.  He serves on the board of directors of the National Cotton Council, NCTO, The Cato Corporation, Presbyterian Healthcare, and The Foundation of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.  Mr. Stowe also serves on the United States Manufacturing Council, appointed in 2004 by the Bush Administration for the Department of Commerce.  He is past president of the American Yarn Spinners Association.  He is a member of the Young President’s Organization, World President's Organization and the Newcomen Society of North America.

Mr. Stowe is married and has three children.