IAHTM Names Kenny Cohen & Carlos Fernandes as 2026 “Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award” Recipients

The International Association for Healthcare Textile Management (IAHTM) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award: Kenny Cohen of American Dawn (ADI) and Carlos Fernandes of Jensen.

Presented on September 1st at the awards dinner of IAHTM’s 2026 Annual Education Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, the Don Pedder Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the laundry industry and exemplify the traits of an ideal manager or sales professional.

Kenny Cohen:

With more than 37 years in the industry, Kenny has built a career measured not by sales numbers or titles, but by trust, relationships, and respect. As Vice President of Sales at American Dawn, he has helped shape both the company’s growth and the culture and standards of the industry. Known for listening first, caring deeply, and never losing sight of what is best for the customer, Kenny has mentored countless people and strengthened partnerships across the field.

Carlos Fernandes:

For nearly 40 years, Carlos has helped laundries across North America meet their equipment needs. After joining Jensen in 1992, he built its direct-to-laundry sales model from the ground up in Canada, a program Jensen later brought to the United States. Now Senior Vice President for North America, the Caribbean, and Central America, Carlos is a longtime IAHTM partner sponsor and committee member, and a fiercely loyal advocate for his customers.

IAHTM congratulates Kenny and Carlos, and thanks them for the many contributions they have brought to the industry.