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At the annual meeting during IFAI Expo 2018 in Dallas, Texas, IFAI presented this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Awards, to people who generously gave of their time by serving on different boards, task forces and committees, judging competitions and providing education and leadership to others in the industry.
The Outstanding Volunteer Award program was developed in 2012, designed to acknowledge a handful of volunteers each year who regularly go above and beyond. This year’s recipients:
Patti Bates, General Manager-Protective, Glen Raven Technical Fabrics
Patti Bates has been an invaluable resource, reliable volunteer and role model, not only for the industry, but specifically to women within a male-dominated industry. She has spent years serving on the Outlook Conference Committee (including three years as chair), leading the Government Relations Committee of the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) and representing USIFI on ITAC (International Trade Administration Commission). She is now vice chair of the USIFI Advisory Board, and is stepping into the role of speaker at IFAI’s first Women in Textiles Summit in March 2019.
Andy Durham, Senior Geosynthetic Engineer, Owens Corning
Andy Durham is chairman of the Geosynthetic Materials Association’s (GMA) Environmental Focus Group. Owens Corning joined GMA in 2016, and Durham quickly became an active member of the GMA executive council. During his time on the council, GMA’s educational programming has grown significantly, and the environmental focus group has become more active. His many years of experience and his passion for geosynthetics have helped to strengthen GMA and IFAI.
Jennifer Fennell, Sourcing Manager, Polo Custom Products
Jennifer Fennell worked with the Makers Division to organize and help create scripts for a video film shoot at Polo to create more than twenty videos for sewing operator training. She serves on the Military Division board.
Chad Miller, Director of Contract Manufacturing, American National Manufacturing
Chad Miller created, wrote and conducted a five-part prototype education webinar series for the Makers Division and IFAI members, donating substantial time over a six-month period to the IFAI audience. He wrote an article for the August issue of Specialty Fabrics Review, and serves on the Makers Division Advisory Board.
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