Industrial Fasteners Institute Announces 2025 Soaring Eagle and Young Leadership Award Recipients

Independence, OH – April 8, 2025 – The Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI) is pleased to announce the recipients of its prestigious annual Soaring Eagle Awards, presented during the IFI Spring Meeting held at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood, FL. These awards recognize outstanding contributions and leadership within the North American fastener industry.

Baohong Cao Receives the Soaring Eagle Technology Award 

The Soaring Eagle Technology Award for 2025 was presented to Baohong Cao of Infasco in recognition of his many years of dedication and outstanding technical contributions to the fastener industry and to IFI. Baohong’s extensive work within numerous technical committees across ASTM, ASME, SAE, ISO, and IFI has been instrumental in promoting significant and enduring advancements in standardization and the state of the art in fastener technology. His collaboration and expertise in strategic industry initiatives and interlaboratory studies, along with his crucial support of research in the critical field of hydrogen embrittlement, have set the highest standard for the industry. Furthermore, Baohong has demonstrated exceptional leadership as a teacher and mentor to numerous engineering co-op students and professional engineers, embodying dedication, passion, and a methodical, science-based approach. 

Carmen Vertullo Honored with the Soaring Eagle Service Award

The 2025 Soaring Eagle Service Award was presented to Carmen Vertullo of Carver Labs for his many years of dedication and outstanding service to the fastener industry and to IFI. A true pioneer in fastener education, Carmen understood the importance of knowledge sharing early in his career. As a founding instructor with the Los Angeles Fastener Association (LAFA) and now with the Fastener Training Institute (FTI), he has passionately and enthusiastically taught generations of fastener professionals. Carmen has become an icon, tirelessly advocating for the fastener industry while actively contributing his expertise to standards development in ASTM, ASME, SAE, IFI, and RCSC. His mission to mentor and teach countless young fastener professionals has created an enduring legacy that will continue to benefit the industry for years to come. 

Austin Washburn Recognized with the Joe Greenslade Young Leadership Award 

The Joe Greenslade Young Leadership Award, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the fastener industry early in their careers, was presented to Austin Washburn of Seaway Bolt & Specials Corp. In the first ten years of his career, Austin has demonstrated remarkable achievements in designing and developing innovative and maintainable engineering solutions. His work has resulted in improved manufacturing quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness through the application of appropriate technologies and novel methodologies. Austin’s accomplishments highlight the importance of upcoming generations to the continued success and evolution of the fastener industry. 

The Industrial Fasteners Institute congratulates Baohong Cao, Carmen Vertullo, and Austin Washburn on their well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their significant contributions to the fastener industry. 

About the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI):

IFI is the leading voice representing the interests of the North American manufacturers of mechanical fasteners and formed parts, as well as the key suppliers to the industry, fostering their working together to shape the future of the industry. IFI represents the industry to its suppliers, customers, the government, and the public-at-large to advance the competitiveness, products, and innovative technology of the Member Companies in a global marketplace. Learn more about IFI and its membership at indfast.org.