The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) has announced Carl Cucuzza and Lynda Kelly as recipients of the 2025 Lifetime Service Awards. These honors celebrate their decades-long commitment, industry leadership, and transformative impact within the global nonwovens sector.
Dr. Matt O’Sickey, INDA’s Director of Education & Technical Affairs, praised both honorees for their unwavering support and dedication, noting their influential roles in shaping the industry’s future. The awards will be presented during two key events—Carl Cucuzza at Hygienix™ on November 18, and Lynda Kelly at IDEA®25 on April 29.
About the Honorees
Carl Cucuzza – A Legacy of Innovation and Leadership
Carl Cucuzza, a respected veteran of the nonwovens machinery and adhesives space, is being honored for over 35 years of contributions. As former President of Teknoweb North America, Carl helped advance machinery used in wet and dry wipes, face masks, and disposable products. He also co-founded Hot Melt Supply Company with his son, extending his expertise into adhesive solutions for packaging and disposables.
His prior roles at Nordson Corporation and Newco Enterprises saw him managing international sales and spearheading major projects across North America and Europe. Carl served as a longtime INDA board member, moderator, and presenter, authoring technical papers and earning seven patents related to disposable product manufacturing.
A Georgia state awardee and known expert witness, Carl continues to inspire innovation within the field. He currently resides in Monroe, GA with his wife Toni, with whom he shares four children and four grandchildren.
Lynda Kelly – A Passionate Voice for Growth and Community
Lynda Kelly, retired Senior VP of Americas & Business Development at Suominen, is recognized for her significant contributions to expanding sales, product innovation, and community engagement across the nonwovens value chain.
Her career began at Kendall, eventually growing through Veratec, BBA Nonwovens, and First Quality Nonwovens, where she built deep expertise in spunmelt technologies for medical applications. Lynda also brought her talents to consulting with John Starr before joining Suominen, where she led product development and commercial growth initiatives.
A former INDA Board Member (2019–2022), Lynda was instrumental in advancing medical disposable standards and organizing industry wellness programs. Her curiosity, enthusiasm, and mentorship culture left a profound impact on colleagues and peers alike.
Lynda’s legacy extends beyond business success—she is remembered most for building lasting relationships and for her passion for driving industry-wide collaboration and innovation.
