Cohoes, NY – Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, is pleased to announce Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will be inducted into the Soderstrom Society, the graphic communications industry’s most prestigious honors organization.  

Mr. O’Connor was nominated for the post by the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL), and is the first paper industry executive to be inducted in the Society in its 58 year history.

Mr. O’Connor will be one of twelve industry leaders honored during an induction ceremony at the University of Chicago Downtown Gleacher Center on September 27.

The Soderstrom Society is an honors organization named for Walter E. Soderstrom, one of the founders of the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL). The Society recognizes the contributions of industry leaders, including print company owners, industry supplier executives, educators, journalists and consultants.

"The Soderstrom Society honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the development and progress of the graphic arts industry. Tom's many accomplishments fits this criteria perfectly. Every Soderstrom member has the privilege of nominating prospective members. Many are nominated but not all are voted in by the board. I nominated Tom and was very pleased that the board unanimously approved his induction. To my knowledge, Tom O'Connor is the first paper company executive to be inducted into the Soderstrom Society,” said Martin Maloney, CEO of Broadford & Maloney Incorporated, and member of the Soderstrom Society. 

“It’s quite an honor to be inducted into the Soderstrom Society, and I thank NAPL for this significant recognition. I look forward to working with the Society’s members to continue to celebrate the heritage and future of print, while creating new opportunities for our industry,” said Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohawk.

The Soderstrom Society induction ceremony will take place Saturday, September 27, the evening prior to the start of the graphic communications industry tradeshow Graph Expo, held at McCormick Place, Chicago, September 28-October 1, 2014.