Meet Our Leadership

Blair Whitworth,
President

Blair Whitworth,
President

Blair Whitworth has served as president of TD Fiber since 2014. His emphasis is on broad company leadership, strategic initiatives and new product development.

An experienced senior executive, Whitworth previously worked for more than a dozen years in leadership positions in the financial services industry, where his role included rebranding and revitalizing existing companies and developing new ventures.

Under his leadership, TD Fiber has diversified into a variety of new industries and placed a strong emphasis on innovation, including partnerships with clients to devise unique strategies for using nonwoven fiber to meet their technical requirements.

“We have only tapped the surface of the ways that our nonwoven fabrics can be used, across multiple industries, to improve the function, efficiency or economy of products,” said Whitworth. “We are committed to working alongside our customers to help them meet their needs in innovative ways.”

Dwayne Hinkle,
Sales Manager

Dwayne Hinkle,
Sales Manager

Dwayne Hinkle joined TD Fiber as sales manager in September 2006. His focus is on servicing customers and developing new business.

Before moving into sales, he  worked for more than a decade as plant manager for Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, a maker of cushions, upholstery foam and mattresses. His years running a manufacturing operation, combined with his sales experience, give him in-depth knowledge that is helpful as he works closely with existing and new customers to help them achieve their goals.

“I assist our clients by looking at their needs and helping them decide which products to use that will best satisfy their application,” he said. “In addition, I typically deliver samples to customers myself so I can work with the customer to make sure the fiber meets their requirements and expectations. I receive satisfaction from helping customers solve problems.”

 

Kevin Burnette,
Engineering Manager

Kevin Burnette,
Engineering Manager

Kevin Burnette joined TD Fiber as engineering manager in September 2021. He is responsible for facilities and asset management and provides support for the process, troubleshooting and product development components of production.

He has worked for more than three decades in the high-loft nonwovens industry, helping to develop materials for the filtration, acoustics, structural, bedding, seating and cleaning segments. His broad experience gives him a deep understanding of how raw materials interplay with nonwoven processes and which raw materials will perform best on each process. That helps ensure customers receive products designed to meet their specific needs.

“By manipulating the fibers, the fiber types and other components, I can streamline development and optimize the process to yield a product that meets the particular fit and function each customer wants,” he said.

Leon McCrosky,
Operations Manager

Leon McCrosky,
Operations Manager

Leon McCrosky joined TD Fiber in 2014 and was promoted to operations manager in 2017. He oversees staffing and production for TD Fiber’s converting facility and its manufacturing plants, as well as handling material ordering and shipping. He also assists with product development.

Prior to joining TD Fiber, he worked in the HVAC industry for 17 years, serving as a service technician and field service manager, jobs that required a production mindset and an attention to detail.

As part of his oversight responsibilities at TD Fiber, he monitors lines to ensure customers’ products are built to the correct specifications and that they receive their products when promised.

“I do walk-by inspections of all the lines throughout the day, checking thickness, checking material quality, checking weight, making sure everything’s right, and making certain that we’re hitting the delivery dates on time,” he said.

Jon Hinkle,
Shipping Manager

NOTE: This is from Jon to Deanna

Thank you for interest for including me in the Bio for the TD Fiber.Unfortunately,I will have to respectfully decline the offer.Thank you for your time .

Shirley Smith,
Assistant Shipping Manager

NOTE: We will need to contact Shirley. She was not on the original list.

Chanel McClellan,
Production Supervisor

Chanel McClellan,
Production Supervisor

Chanel McClellan joined TD Fiber in 2022. Formerly the supervisor of quality and operations, she now serves as production supervisor.

Prior to joining TD Fiber, she worked in the nonwovens industry for seven years, first in quality and operations at Halyard Health and more recently in quality for another nonwoven manufacturer.

Her responsibilities at TD Fiber include overseeing the production floor, Her job checking  to ensure that each line is producing materials that meet TD Fiber’s exacting specifications, and working with operators to ensure that the correct fiber is used in each customer’s product. She also helps set schedules for the lines.

“My goal is to maintain a quality product for each and every one of our customers,” she said.

 

Mark Thompson,
Mechanical Engineer

Mark Thompson,
Mechanical Engineer

Mark Thompson joined TD Fiber in 1993. As mechanical engineer, he works to ensure the smooth operation of the company’s manufacturing lines and support equipment.

His more than three decades of experience at TD Fiber has provided him with in-depth knowledge of the company’s equipment and given him the opportunity to see the company grow through great leadership. In addition to maintaining machinery, he performs repairs as needed to electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical components.

“My goal is to keep the equipment operating as efficiently as possible,” he said. “When there are breakdowns, it is important to get the equipment repaired in a timely manner. I help as needed to keep all areas on schedule.”

Lewis Childers,
Process Engineer

Lewis Childers,
Process Engineer 

Lewis Childers joined TD Fiber as process engineer in October 2023. His work extends across most aspects of TD Fiber’s operation, including production, documentation, product development, sample development and employee training.

He has worked in the nonwoven fiber industry since 1992, starting  out as an engineer and project manager for a company that designed and built equipment for the nonwoven industry, then moving into manufacturing, and finally shifting to sales and installation of equipment.

With his  wealth of experience, he is tapped to provide expertise as  needed at TD Fiber: from running samples to developing quality documents for customers, to assisting with the development  of new products that provide more economical or better alternatives for customers.

“I enjoy the diversity of the job,” he said.

Michelle McCumbee,
Bookkeeper

Michelle McCumbee,
Bookkeeper

Michelle McCumbee joined TD Fiber in March 2017. She serves as the company’s bookkeeper, handling accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, HR, and some types of purchasing. Prior to joining TD Fiber, she was a bookkeeper for Hershey Creamery Company and worked in operations accounting at Leggett & Platt. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, she brings a sharp eye for finance to her work.

“My main objective as bookkeeper is to help watch spending and flag areas where we may be able to save on costs,” she said. “If we save on costs, then we can pass savings along to our customers.”

Jennifer Safrit,
Order Entry/Customer Service Representative

Jennifer Safrit,
Order Entry/Customer Service Representative

Jennifer Safrit joined TD Fiber in May 2021. As the order entry/customer service representative, she is responsible for entering orders sent in by customers, assisting customers in checking on their orders via phone and email, and handling the logistics for shipping orders to customers.

She previously worked in the pharmacy/ retail industry for a decade, providing customer service and serving as a manager.

A detail-oriented person who enjoys multi-tasking, she particularly likes the opportunities her role at TD Fiber provides for her to monitor any issues that arise and quickly answer questions that customers have.

“I enjoy the challenges that each day brings,” she said.

Jeannie Giordano,
Administrative Assistant

Jeannie Giordano,
Administrative Assistant

Jeannie Giordano joined TD Fiber in May 2024. She is often the first contact for clients who reach out to TD Fiber via phone. In addition to answering calls, she handles most of the invoicing/billing, maintains employee records and generally helps to keep the office running smoothly.

A recent college graduate who worked as a technical recruiter before joining TD Fiber, she appreciates the opportunities she has in her current position to learn new skills and to assist clients by providing them with prompt, courteous and professional service.

“I work to answer questions quickly and direct clients to the correct contact,” she said. “I enjoy having positive interactions with people and helping them.”