INDA Honors Four Industry Leaders for Lifelong Contributions to Nonwovens

INDA has named the recipients of its 2026 Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. Tom Daugherty, Pricie Hanna, Carey Hobbs, and CK Wong have been recognised for their contributions to the nonwovens industry.

INDA announced that Tom Daugherty, Pricie Hanna, Carey Hobbs, and CK Wong are the recipients of its 2026 Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. The awards recognise individuals for their work in advancing nonwoven technologies, industry development, and professional service.

“These awards celebrate individuals whose careers have helped shape the growth and progress of the nonwovens industry,” said Tony Fragnito, INDA President and CEO. “We are proud to recognize Tom, Pricie, Carey, and CK for their remarkable achievements and for the lasting impact they have made through their leadership, expertise, and dedication to INDA and the industry.”

The awards acknowledge long-term contributions across technical innovation, business development, and industry leadership within the nonwovens sector.

Award Recipients

Tom Daugherty and Carey Hobbs will receive their awards at the World of Wipes International Conference, June 30th beginning at 4:30 pm.
Pricie Hanna will receive her award at the Hygienix Conference, November 17th at 4:30 pm.
Sabrina Wong, President, U.S. Pacific Procurement Company Ltd., will accept the posthumous award on behalf of her husband, CK Wong, at a future INDA event.

Tom Daugherty: INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award

"It has been a great privilege to spend nearly 45 years collaborating with so many talented individuals in this industry to improve the lives of consumers worldwide. I am truly humbled to receive the INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. My deepest thanks to my colleagues at P&G, partners across the supply sector, The Nonwovens Institute at NC State, the INDA community, and my wife and family for their amazing partnership. Here’s to the next generation of innovation!"

Tom Daugherty’s career includes research and development leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, where he retired in 2016, and later at The Nonwovens Institute, where he retired in 2025. His work covered upstream technology, product development, and product launches across brands such as Pampers, Luvs, Always, Naturella, Bounty, Swiffer, and Mr. Clean.

His contributions included developments in nonwoven performance features such as comfort, softness, fluid handling, mechanical fastening, and cleaning applications. At The Nonwovens Institute, he contributed to filtration product development during the COVID pandemic.

Daugherty also served on the INDA Board of Directors from 2007 to 2009 and on the Executive Committee from 2010 to 2016. At The Nonwovens Institute, he held leadership roles including Executive Committee member and Chair.

Tom commented upon the highlights of his long and multi-faceted career, “The absolute best part of my career was having the opportunity and privilege to collaborate with so many talented people in the nonwovens industry. Collaboration is the most powerful, and fun, way to create and deliver business results.”

Pricie Hanna: INDA Lifetime Service Award

“I have benefited from the services of INDA’s talented staff for the 40 years that I have been in the nonwovens industry. I am truly humbled and honored to receive the INDA Lifetime Service Award. It has been a blessing to collaborate with this close-knit community of dedicated professionals as the industry has innovated and grown all around the world.”

Pricie Hanna is Managing Partner of Price Hanna Consultants, established in 2011 with Partner David Price. The firm focuses on nonwoven products and technologies, including hygiene absorbent materials and raw material demand analysis.

Prior to this, she served as Vice President at John R. Starr, Inc. for 23 years, leading consulting work in hygiene absorbent products and nonwoven wipes. She has also held senior roles at Scott Paper Company and worked as a corporate lending officer at Citibank in New York City.

She holds an A.B. degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed executive education at Harvard Graduate School of Business.

Carey Hobbs: INDA Lifetime Technical Achievement Award

“I was shocked to learn that I’m receiving this Lifetime Achievement Award. I have devoted my professional career to making cars quieter, making jackets warmer, defending our country, and helping families enjoy quilting. This honor humbles me and lets me know that my career has positively impacted people’s lives.”

Carey Hobbs joined Hobbs Bonded Fibers in 1963 and led its development into a supplier for government, military, medical, automotive, and industrial applications before selling the business in 2015.

He developed quilt batting brands including Heirloom and Tuscany Collections and produced a significant share of quilt batting in the United States. The company also supplied fiber fill for apparel and automotive components.

Hobbs has held patents and was recognised by the Small Business Administration as “Small Businessperson of the Year” for the Dallas District. He also served on advisory committees related to trade policy for textiles and apparel.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a jet fighter pilot and test pilot and held roles on INDA’s board of directors.

CK Wong: INDA Lifetime Service Award

“It is with profound gratitude that I accept this Lifetime Service Award in honor of my late husband, C.K. Wong. His dedication to nonwovens industry was not just a career, but a calling. He gave his time, his wisdom, and his heart to advancing the work and uplifting those around him. This recognition is a testament to the values he lived by—integrity, perseverance, and service. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to guide and inspire, and I am deeply moved that his contributions are remembered in this way.” – Sabrina Wong, President, U.S. Pacific Procurement Company Limited

CK Wong, Chairman and CEO of U.S. Pacific Nonwovens Industry Limited, developed his career in the global nonwovens sector, beginning in the 1970s. He established operations in Hong Kong and China, focusing on converting nonwoven materials into disposable products for industrial and medical use.

His company expanded into additional applications and developed patented products, including a patient mobility solution. From 2000 onwards, he also invested in biodegradable material production using PLA.

Wong held leadership roles within INDA and industry associations in China, including the Guangdong Nonwovens Association and the China Nonwovens & Industrial Textiles Association.