Lori Sears
About Lori Sears
Lori Sears is a Senior Process Improvement Professional at Milliken & Company, specializing in textile processes and quality assurance methodologies. She has a notable background that includes a previous role as Director of Material Science Innovation at Nike and a strong educational foundation in Textile Management from Clemson University.
Work at Milliken & Company
Lori Sears has been employed at Milliken & Company as a Senior Process Improvement Professional since 2017. In this role, she focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and product quality. She collaborates with maintenance personnel to analyze machinery performance, ensuring that start-up quality and efficiency align with established standards. Her expertise in various textile processes contributes to her effectiveness in this position.
Previous Experience at Nike
Prior to her current role, Lori Sears worked at Nike as the Director of Material Science Innovation from 2014 to 2017. During her tenure, she managed a $6 million equipment installation project, coordinating efforts among machinery movers, crane operators, and installation teams. This experience allowed her to develop a strong foundation in project management and cross-functional collaboration.
Education and Expertise
Lori Sears earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Textile Management with a Chemical Option from Clemson University, where she studied from 1992 to 1996. Her educational background provides her with a solid understanding of textile processes, including knitting, yarn, nonwovens, dyeing/finishing, tufting, weaving, warping, and slashing. She is recognized as a subject matter expert in methodologies such as DFMEA, APQP, FMEA, QFD, PPAP, and DMAIC, which are essential for process improvement and quality assurance.
Product Portfolio Development
Lori Sears has developed a distinguished product portfolio that includes innovative products such as the Shark Disposable Steam Mop Pad and the Nike Flyknit Bra. Her work in product development showcases her ability to integrate material science with practical applications, resulting in products that meet consumer needs and industry standards.