Fibrix: Our Team.
The Executive Team
Leading the Way to Precision-Crafted Nonwoven Excellence
Dean Cobb
President
After spending 20 years climbing up the ladder across the textile industry, I came to Fibrix in 2012 as Vice President of Manufacturing. In 2014, I became Chief Operations Officer. Now, as Fibrix’s President, I get to use my extensive industry experience and Six Sigma Black Belt Certification to help my team reach their potential. I earned my Bachelors in Business Administration from The Citadel and my Masters in Textile Technology from the Institute of Textile Technology.
Today, I continuously strive to establish new relationships with customers that build long-term success. Outside the office, I’m out exploring nature; camping, fishing, and riding motorcycles.
Patricia Bohrer
Chief Financial Officer
I joined Fibrix in 2013 as an accounting manager with a degree from Pace University and more than ten years of experience in corporate accounting under my belt. I quickly proved my skills, and in 2015, I rose to become Chief Accounting Officer.
I’m a numbers person, and as the Chief Financial Officer, I love using my knowledge to help our team reach their goals. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones.
Jeff Suttles
VP of Manufacturing Services
In 2014, I joined Fibrix as the Director of Manufacturing Services after working in various leadership roles throughout the manufacturing industry with experience in plant management, operations, and supply chain. After consistently helping my team exceed customer expectations, I became VP of Manufacturing Services in 2020. I earned my Masters in Business Administration from Lenoir Rhyne University.
Today, I have the honor of working with an excellent group of people to deliver exceptional products that keep jobs in the USA. When I’m not at work, I’m active in my Church, spending time with family and friends, or improving my golf game.
Rebekah Shealy
VP of Human Resources
I have been with Fibrix for a little over ten years, where I started as a Human Resources Manager. I was here for only a few years before moving up to Director of Human Resources and, eventually, VP of Human Resources. I strive to help create a culture where employees feel empowered, engaged, and cared for. I care about people and the business. When employees are engaged, they perform well, which strengthens the business. It’s a win-win culture for all: our employees, our customers, and our business. I have both SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications.
Now, as VP of Human Resources, I enjoy learning how each process works and how they come together to make a finished product. In my role, it is important to understand the manufacturing process so we can match skill sets with processes when staffing. When I’m not in the office, I enjoy watching almost any college game, but Alabama has always been my team. Roll Tide!
The Management Team
Jeff Johnson
Plant Manager – Conover, NC
I have been employed at Fibrix for over 25 years, where I proudly follow in my father’s footsteps as Plant Manager at Fibrix Conover. My father, James Johnson, was Plant Manager here in Conover from 1982 until 2005. I am registered in North Carolina as a Journeyman Book Binder Operator and I am a two-time Fibrix, LLC Plant Manager of the Year.
I enjoy working closely with our employees and hearing from our customers that Fibrix Conover is doing a great job for them. When I’m not in the shop, I’m either creating lasting memories with my sons or playing the guitar for both my Church’s praise band and my band, “The Mayhem Syndicate.”
Ed Buggs
Plant Manager – Tupelo, MS
My Fibrix journey started back in 1988, ten years after I answered a newspaper ad for a textile manufacturing job listing ‘starting pay $4.65 per hour and willing to work a little overtime.’ For over 45 years, I have developed an extensive knowledge base and deep understanding of the day-to-day operations of nonwoven manufacturing.
Today, I get to use my advanced skills in working with nonwoven equipment and extensive fiber knowledge to work with our customers to develop actionable solutions to their manufacturing requirements. When I’m not working, I enjoy hitting the bowling lanes.
Jeff Horvatits
Plant Manager – Buffalo, NY
For 27 years, I have worked at Fibrix, where I take advantage of every company-sponsored training course and educational seminar. I try to focus on what our employees can do for the company, and I look for opportunities where they can succeed by thinking outside the box to satisfy customer issues or solve operations problems. Every day, my goal is to safely and efficiently produce as much quality product as we can.
Making everything fit or solving the puzzle to achieve that goal is what I enjoy most. What we do here day in and day out may appear essentially the same, but by the end of the day, how we have reached the goal rarely is. When I’m not in the workshop, I’m perfecting Neapolitan pizza dough with my family.
Alex Ocampo
Plant Manager – Statesville, NC
I joined the Fibrix team in 2023 with more than 20 years of experience in nonwoven manufacturing and a solid leadership background. As Production Supervisor, I enjoy putting my hands in the process and interacting with employees to develop support and leadership techniques that will help ensure lasting success.
I am always looking for ways to help improve operations through lean manufacturing and 5S techniques while teaching the new generation of technicians the process of Nonwovens, from opening a bale of fiber to the finished goods. When I’m not at work, I’m showing my kids the wonders of nature and Jesus Christ by preserving family traditions and exploring other cultures.
Derrick Stanley
Plant Superintendent – Thomasville, NC
I was working at this particular nonwovens facility for three years before Fibrix bought it in 2017. I stayed because Fibrix is a good company to work for, and as Plant Superintendent, I enjoy being able to help others put food on their families’ tables by offering them a chance at a good career. I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t get where I am today in the standard way; I took my own path and as such, developed a unique set of skills that allow me to foster an engaging, productive, and safe work environment.
I use my experiences to connect with customers and employees alike, allowing me to deeply understand our clients’ needs and potential problems and then work together to develop effective solutions. When I’m not working, I love spending time with my wife and tending to my lawn.
Eric Ratliff
Plant Superintendent – Pontotoc, MS
13 years ago, I moved to Pontotoc, took a job here at Fibrix, and haven’t looked back since. Over the years, I have built a solid foundation of leadership and problem-solving skills that allow me to guide my team to exceeding expectations.
I take pride in knowing that I have quality products continuously coming off the line. I know I can trust everyone here to work together to ensure on-time delivery without sacrificing quality or safety. When I’m not at the shop, I’m spending time with my family or out fishing.