Lou Protonentis, a textiles industry professional who has served in director-level positions with Cotton Incorporated and Microban International, has joined AATCC as the Association’s new Technical Director.
With core competencies in textile industry R&D, strategic planning, team building, global sales, and staff supervision, Protonentis brings key skills and abilities to his new role with the Association. As AATCC’s Technical Director, he will oversee all technical activities of the Association including: test method development and training, publication of the annual AATCC Technical Manual, development of new quality control materials, management of the Association’s research and technology committees, management of the Associations technical services activities, and he will be the primary technical contact with our members, companies, and textile, apparel, and materials-related organizations.
“Lou is ideally suited for this position,” said John Y. “Jack” Daniels, Executive Vice President of the Association. “His experience in the primary textile industry at Guildford Mills, his research and marketing positions with Cotton Incorporated, and his product and process development activities with Microban Products and Noble Biomaterials provide Lou with a seasoned background and the communications skills necessary to manage the many technical responsibilities of AATCC. We are delighted to have Lou join the AATCC staff in this key responsibility.”
During his tenure at Cotton, Inc. from 1999 to 2009, Protonentis served in a broad array of roles, including Director of Technical Services, Dyeing & Finishing. He was also Director of Account Management, Global Supply Chain, which involved a three-year assignment in Singapore where he developed a substantial understanding of the industry in China and Asia.
At Microban International, he was responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the company’s antimicrobial product line for textile and liquid applications. This involved collaborating efforts with sales and marketing in both domestic and international markets. And in his most recent position at Noble Biomaterials, he was responsible for the investigation, analysis, and resolution of product performance issues.
In addition to his experience in the textile industry, Protonentis has been actively involved with AATCC for several years, serving on several research committees. He also played an instrumental role on the steering committees for several Symposia and served on the Executive Committee on Research.
Protonentis graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry, and has a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from Guilford College. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, and is a 6th degree Black Belt in karate.
