Brad Gasque, technical marketing leader at DuPont Cyrel Solutions, was presented with the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA)’s President’s Award, Sunday, May 4. Announcement came at the formal banquet held in conjunction with FTA FORUM INFOFLEX 2025.

Nathan Ridnouer, FTA president, said, “Brad Gasque is, at his core, a problem solver. His journey into flexography wasn’t meticulously planned—it was sparked by a passion for understanding how things work and a drive to make them better. Brad has built a career rooted in hands-on solutions, customer success, and continuous learning. From plate troubleshooting to press optimization, Brad has become a go-to expert—someone who not only solves problems but helps prevent them by empowering teams through training and guidance.”

Established more than 30 years ago, and now bestowed annually on an individual who stands out for extraordinary commitment to advancing the flexographic printing industry and uplifting the community that powers it, FTA’s President’s Award recognizes individuals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their careers to give back to the profession – a leader who shows up early, stays late, volunteers without being asked, and stands dedicated to making the industry better—for today and for the future. Honorees are advocates, educators, mentors, and change agents. Their impact is felt through the innovations they champion, the knowledge they share and the people they inspire along the way. 

Ridnouer observed, “Brad’s journey began with a pivot. After starting college as a mechanical engineering student, he realized the field didn’t offer the hands-on problem solving he craved. A transfer to Clemson University’s Graphic Communications program opened new doors—ones that would lead him directly to the world of packaging and print. Following graduation, Brad was hired to manage the Advanced Flexography Lab at Clemson’s Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. There, he taught university labs, led industry seminars, and managed R&D initiatives that deepened his expertise and passion for the field. He also supervised the printing of at least one FTA demo project.”

“His impact goes far beyond his professional role,” Ridnouer maintained. “Brad has made it his mission to give back to the industry and community that helped shape his path. His contributions to FTA over the years have been both wide-ranging and deeply impactful.” For example:

• As co-chair of FORUM & INFOFLEX 2025, Gasque plays a critical role in shaping the industry’s premier trade show. His commitment to collaboration and forward-thinking content ensured the event reflected the evolving needs of the flexographic community.
• A fixture during the Excellence in Flexography Awards judging process, Gasque not only is there to help identify the top printed packing for the year, but he coaches and mentors the newest members of the judging committee.
• He has been a Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC) contributor and an active leader on FTA’s committee for emerging leaders, where he’s mentored younger professionals and shared valuable insight into career development in flexography.
• At FTA events, he’s delivered presentations on cutting-edge topics like automation in the plate room and Expanded Color Gamut (ECG) workflows, always bringing clarity and enthusiasm to the conversation.

“Brad’s story is proof that the flexographic industry is at its best when led by people who master their craft and invest in their community,” Ridnouer exclaimed. “Whether mentoring students, troubleshooting on pressroom floors, or guiding the next generation of flexo professionals, Brad exemplifies what it means to lead by example.” 

Ridnouer concluded, “In recognizing Brad Gasque with the 2025 FTA President’s Award, the Association honors the values he represents: dedication, service, collaboration, and a lifelong love for learning. Brad’s leadership reminds us that the future of flexography is bright—and in the hands of people like him, it’s in good shape.”