Thomas H. (Tom) Daugherty Retirement

After a nearly 45-year career in the Nonwovens and Consumer Products industries, Tom Daugherty was celebrated at Fall 2025 meeting of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) for The Nonwovens Institute (NWI).   Tom retired from his “second career” as Deputy Director of NWI in July 2025 and was elected as an Emeritus Member of the Institute.

Tom grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana where he was active in sports of all kinds, and had an entrepreneurial mindset even as a kid.   He graduated from both Purdue University and the University of Washington with a BS and a MS in Chemical Engineering, respectively.  His professional experience began with an Internship at Eli Lily & Company before graduate school.  He then joined Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati in 1981. 

Tom contributed to product technologies
used hundreds of billions of times by consumers around the world

During his 35-year career at P&G, Tom advanced through R&D positions of expanding responsibility and a breadth that spanned upstream technology development, business unit product development, and downstream initiative launch.  And through his collaboration as a part of multidisciplinary teams, representing many global brands, he contributed to product technologies that have been used hundreds of billions of times by consumers around the world.  “Tom Daugherty’s impact on the nonwovens industry is profound and enduring,” said Mark Thornton, Vice President, The Procter & Gamble Company, “.His leadership at Procter & Gamble, his years of dedicated service on INDA’s Board and Executive Committee, and his long-standing commitment to The Nonwovens Institute have advanced our industry in meaningful and lasting ways. We are deeply grateful for his vision, his integrity, and his unwavering passion for innovation.”

Ralph Moody, Senior Director of R&D (retired) at Berry Global, Inc (it’s nonwovens business now Magnera Corp.) and an Emeritus member of NWI added, “Tom Daugherty’s influence on the nonwovens industry was significant. During his tenure with P&G he enabled multiple major R&D developments that drove P&G’s suppliers to expand their efforts  to supply superior products. This drove everyone to higher standards in the nonwovens industry. It was an honor to work with Tom and his team at P&G over the years.”

With his leadership role with the Nonwovens Material Platform, Tom sponsored P&G’s NWI membership for almost two decades and served on The Industrial Advisory Board Executive Committee for 14 years (2003-16) including a two-year stint as Executive Committee Chair (2006-08).  In addition, Tom led the establishment of the NWI Scientific Advisory Board in 2009 (now SSAB) where he served as Chair for 8 years.  “Tom’s engagement with NWI began more than thirty years ago while he was still at P&G,” commented NWI’s Executive Director, Behnam Pourdeyhimi, PhD. “He served on numerous committees and played key leadership roles, including chair of the Scientific Strategic Committee and both co-chair and chair of the Executive Committee.”

Tom has been an invaluable resource for NWI.
His dedication and insight have left a lasting mark on our community.” – Behnam Pourdeyhimi

Tom was also active with the industry trade association, INDA – The Association of the Nonwovens Industry, serving on the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2009, and on the INDA Executive Committee (2010-16).  “Tom Daugherty’s influence can be felt across every corner of the nonwovens industry. His work at Procter & Gamble, his leadership roles with INDA and his long-standing commitment to The Nonwovens Institute reflect a career defined by purpose, generosity, and innovation. Tom has inspired colleagues, elevated organizations, and helped shape the future of our field,” said Tony Fragnito, President & CEO of INDA.

After his retirement from P&G in 2016, Tom began a second career as he was appointed Deputy Director of NWI.  Here he wore “many hats” including supporting continual lab and organizational capability growth, providing oversight to NWI’s core research programs, collaborating with faculty across NC State and affiliated institutions to formulate the Institute’s research agenda, and building strategic alliances with NWI’s industry partners.  He also led a team in developing the current strategic plan to align NWI’s mission, vision, and values with actionable strategies to address challenges and seize future opportunities.  “It was my honor to work with Tom developing important platforms for the nonwovens industry during his time with P&G,” noted Bob Dale; Vice President – Capital Engineering (retired) at Berry Global and also chair of the NWI Executive Committee 2020-23, “Tom’s leadership at NWI was critical to the growth of the organization.”

“The absolute best part of my career was having the opportunity and privilege to collaborate with so many talented people….”

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 at P&G, NWI, NC State, and INDA including industry members, suppliers, NWI staff, faculty, and students.  Collaboration is the most powerful, and fun, way to create and deliver business results,” he said.  “And it’s been a great honor to play a part in the Nonwovens Institute and a joy to work with the entire staff and community.  I offer my thanks and congratulations to Behnam for his leadership and friendship in building NWI as a world class consortium.  There is a lot that I’ll miss, and a lot to look forward to.”

“Tom continued his leadership at NWI bringing process focus and roadmaps, enabling growth of the NWI organization. We wish Tom the best in his well-deserved retirement.” – Ralph Moody

At the Fall 2025 IAB  reception held at NC State’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course’s clubhouse, Tom was celebrated for his contributions and recognized as an Emeritus Member of the Institute where he will join 13 others who having served the nonwovens industry over the course of their long and accomplished careers, provide services and expertise in particular areas of need on a volunteer basis.

“I wish Tom every success in his well-earned retirement and thank him for the legacy he leaves behind.” –  Mark Thornton

With regard to the future, Tom said he plans to join his lovely wife, Barbara, in travel and to enjoy his three adult sons, daughter-in-law, family and friends, making music, volunteering, and crafting a purpose driven retirement.

We are deeply grateful for all he has contributed and wish him every happiness as he enters this new phase of life.” – Tony Fragnito

Thanks for all of your contributions, Tom. The NWI team wishes you much happiness in your retirement!