Mr. Kevin South is the Director of Media Technology at Atmus Filtration Technologies, with over 25 years of experience in engineering and product development for filtration systems in the heavy-duty engine market. His work has focused on design, validation, and supporting reliable performance across both new and existing products. He has been involved in the development of advanced media technologies, including NanoNet® N3 media for Atmus, which was awarded as the Product of Year 2025 by WFI. Kevin's contributions also include over 45 patented innovations related to filtration and engine protection, reflecting a steady focus on improving performance and durability. Kevin is certified as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and has served for over 10 years as an Adjunct Faculty member at Tennessee Technological University.  He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Panelist

Mr. Kent Williamson is the Head of Product Development for Ahlstrom, Americas, with over 30 years of experience in the global filtration industry. His expertise spans mobile engine and industrial applications, with a strong emphasis on quality, technical customer service, and product development.

Throughout his career at Ahlstrom, Kent has held various roles focusing on fibers, chemistry, and processes related to a wide range of filtration media products. He is an innovator, holding four patents and numerous trade secrets. Kent earned his BS degree in Pulp and Paper Engineering from North Carolina State University and is an active member of AFS and TAPPI. He currently resides in Nashville, TN.

Mr. Scott Yaeger is currently President/CEO of FAST International, Inc. He has over 40 years with a broad range of experience in Membrane Filtration with several market leading manufacturers and marketers including Sartorius, Cuno/3M, Gelman/Pall, and PTI Advanced Filtration/Parker Hannifin. He has held worldwide senior level positions in Sales, Marketing, Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, and General Management. Since 2004 as President of FAST Consulting, LLC, he has assisted in the development of new membranes into new and existing markets, new membrane device technologies, and new membrane applications for multiple market leading filtration companies. Scott was the Founding Chairman of the American Filtration and Separation Society (AFS), a past Member of the Board of Directors, and Program Chair. He is currently on the Board of Directors of the Electrocoat Association (EA). Mr. Yaeger has been awarded the Wells Shoemaker Award from American Filtration and Separation Society and the Brewer Award from the Electrocoat Association. He is the inventor on 4 US Patents and has presented over 400 technical papers. Scott is on the Editorial Board for Filtration News.

Dr.-Ing. Thomas Peters is an internationally renowned expert in membrane technology and environmental engineering. He has over 40 years of experience in the field of pressure-driven membrane processes for the treatment of water, process fluids, and wastewater. Related pioneering work was focused between others on the use of reverse osmosis for desalination of seawater, for the purification of landfill leachate and water reuse in different areas. He earned his Ph.D. in 1980 at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg on the subject "Production of drinking water from seawater with reverse osmosis“. After leading management functions in a middle-sized and multinational company, he has been a high-level independent technology consultant since 1986, authored more than 100 publications and more than 50 oral presentations. He is co-editor of a landfill compendium. He received the Stanley Gray Award - Marine Technology 2000/2001 of the IMarEST, London, and the ATCP Award 2007, Concepción, Chile.