By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Helene's career is defined by leadership and service. 

Helene Hardy Pierce has long been a respected voice, dedicated volunteer and champion for excellence in the roofing and building enclosure industries. I am honored to also call her a longtime friend. When I heard that ASTM International had presented her with the Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award, I was thrilled. The recognition honors both her professional achievements and her enduring contributions to the industry. She has given so much back, and even more, she has empowered women like me to do more in this industry. 

For those who have worked alongside Helene, the award comes as no surprise. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing technical knowledge while strengthening the industry through collaboration and service. As a longtime member of IIBEC since 1993, she has played an active role in shaping conversations that influence roofing, waterproofing and building enclosure performance. 

Helene’s leadership has extended across numerous organizations and initiatives. She has been deeply involved with ASTM’s roofing and waterproofing committee, where her efforts have contributed to the development of standards that guide best practices across the industry. Her influence is also felt through her work with IIBEC, where she is recognized as a fellow and has served as a member of the Interface Editorial Board. 

Beyond her technical expertise, Helene has always been committed to sharing knowledge. Through her authored articles, mentorship and volunteer roles, she has helped elevate the next generation of professionals. Her service on the IIBEC Industry Liaison Committee and the RCI-IIBEC Foundation Board of Directors demonstrates a career rooted not just in personal success, but also in building opportunities and resources for others across the roofing and building enclosure community. She was also at the forefront of National Women in Roofing, working with the early founders to help women find their voice in the industry. 

Her contributions have been recognized before. In 2019, she received the NRCA J.A. Piper Award, the roofing industry’s most prestigious honor, recognizing professionals who have devoted constant, outstanding service to NRCA and the roofing industry. She was also the first woman to earn the honor, further underscoring the significance of her leadership and service. In 2022, she received IIBEC’s Outstanding Volunteer Award, adding to the depth of recognition and respect she has earned from her peers. But recognition has never been the goal. For Helene, the work has always been about strengthening the industry and improving the way professionals collaborate, design and build. 

The Katharine E. Morgan Women in Leadership Award carries particular significance, celebrating individuals who not only excel in their fields but also pave the way for others. Helene embodies that mission. Her career reflects how leadership, when grounded in service and expertise, can create a lasting impact well beyond individual projects or organizations. 

At RoofersCoffeeShop®, we celebrate Helene’s achievements and the example she sets for all of us. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about reaching the top, but about lifting others along the way and shaping the future of the industry for generations to come. Thank you, Helene, for everything you have done for the industry and for helping women thrive. 

By Alex Tolle, The Coffee Shops™.

If you are looking to sharpen your skills and stay current on today’s most widely used roofing systems, there is a great opportunity coming up this summer.

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is hosting the next course in its Roofing Practice Series on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from noon to 4 p.m. ET. This session, “Membrane Roofs–Polymeric,” is focused on helping roofing professionals better understand the materials and systems they are working with every day. If you or your team missed earlier sessions, the first two courses in the series are already available on demand, making it easy to catch up.

This course takes a practical approach to polymeric roofing systems, breaking down key components contractors regularly install and maintain. Topics include single-ply membranes, fluid-applied membranes and spray polyurethane foam roofing systems. Additionally, this course provides continuing education opportunities. It has been approved for 3.5 IIBEC continuing education hours and has been submitted for AIA continuing education credit.

For contractors working in commercial and low-slope roofing, these systems are everywhere. Having a solid understanding of how they are designed, installed, inspected and maintained can make a real difference on the job. It can help crews avoid callbacks, improve installation quality and build stronger confidence with building owners and specifiers. One of the biggest benefits of courses like this is how they connect the “why” behind the work. When your team understands how these systems perform over time, it becomes easier to make the right decisions in the field and communicate value to customers.

The course is open to a wide range of industry professionals, including contractors, consultants, architects, engineers and building owners. Registration is $295 for IIBEC members and $450 for nonmembers. Even if you cannot attend live, you can still register and watch the recording later, which is a nice option for busy schedules.

At the end of the day, staying competitive in today’s roofing market means continuing to learn. As polymeric systems continue to dominate the commercial space, investing a few hours into understanding them better can pay off long-term. Training like this is not just about education. It is about building better crews, delivering better roofs and setting your business apart.

Sign up for the session today!

Start the summer off strong with the On-Demand Education Summer Sale and grab the best in building enclosure education at a discount! Now through July 7, save big on the top on-demand courses you can watch anytime, anywhere. Learn on your schedule and boost your skills before summer’s over.

*This sale does not apply to live offerings, such as webinars and in-person events.

IIBEC Members—At checkout, use code SUMMER26MEM and save 40%.

Nonmembers—At checkout, use code SUMMER26NONMEM and save 25%.

Take advantage of the sale today!

By Heidi J. Ellsworth. 

Advancing retrofit solutions through engineering, collaboration and industry partnership. 

In today’s evolving construction landscape, the role of building enclosure professionals has never been more critical. From ensuring long-term performance to meeting increasingly complex energy and structural requirements, consultants are at the forefront of delivering smarter, more resilient buildings. That is why partnerships between manufacturers and organizations like the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) are so important to the future of the industry. 

For companies like Roof Hugger, this commitment goes beyond participation. It is about actively supporting the consultants, engineers and professionals who are specifying and guiding building enclosure solutions every day. They have built a reputation of delivering proven, engineered retrofit systems designed specifically for metal buildings. These solutions are not just about covering an existing roof. They are about enhancing the entire building system. By eliminating the need for a costly tear-off, their retrofit approach helps extend the life of existing structures while improving structural integrity, increasing energy efficiency and delivering long-term value. 

This aligns directly with the priorities of IIBEC members who are tasked with evaluating total building performance. Consultants are increasingly looking for solutions that address multiple challenges at once, including sustainability, cost control and durability. Roof Hugger’s engineered systems provide a practical path forward, offering tested and reliable options that meet these demands while minimizing disruption to building occupants. 

What stands out is Roof Hugger’s willingness to support projects at every stage. Whether a consultant is in the early phases of evaluating options or preparing specifications for a complex retrofit, their team offers expertise that ranges from individual Hugger components to complete engineered systems. This collaborative approach reflects a deep understanding of how building enclosure consultants work and what they need to deliver successful outcomes. 

Equally important is the company’s focus on tailoring solutions to each project. No two buildings are exactly alike, and retrofit systems must account for varying structural conditions, climates and performance goals. By providing preliminary evaluations and customized engineering support, Roof Hugger helps ensure that each system is designed with precision and purpose. 

Their message to the industry is straightforward and resonates strongly with the IIBEC community. At Roof Hugger, they are committed to providing proven, engineered retrofit solutions that extend the life of metal buildings while improving performance and efficiency without the need for tear-off. They welcome the opportunity to support projects at any stage, offering guidance, technical insight and responsive service to meet the specific needs of each client. 

As the demand for retrofit solutions continues to grow, partnerships between manufacturers and organizations like IIBEC will play an increasingly important role. By aligning innovation with education and professional standards, companies like Roof Hugger are helping to shape a more sustainable and resilient future for the built environment. 

For more information, visit the Roof Hugger directory on RoofersCoffeeShop® and MetalCoffeeShop®.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations.

The National Roofing Contractors Association encourages roofing professionals to join industry trade associations representing contractors, consultants and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in taking part in the latest Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing to evaluate business conditions during the first quarter of 2026.

For more than two years, the survey has taken the pulse of the reroofing industry and continues to serve as a regular barometer of the industry’s business conditions. By asking a handful of business questions and measuring responses across several demographics, the survey helps indicate the reroofing market’s strength and trajectory. Your response provides valuable insight.

The results of the Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing are made available to all survey participants via an online dashboard that enables users to filter results by region and other metrics.

For the previous survey that measured business activity during the fourth quarter of 2025, 75% of responses came from roofing contractors and 25% came from roof consultants.

The survey is an industrywide effort to collect information about the reroofing market spearheaded by a coalition of trade associations, including the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Canadian Roofing Contractors Association, Chemical Fabrics & Film Association Inc., EPDM Roofing Association, International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, Metal Construction Association, Metal Roofing Alliance, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association and Single Ply Roofing Industry.

The Quarterly Market Index Survey for Reroofing is available at bit.ly/RoofingSurvey. Survey responses may be submitted through April 20.

About National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit www.nrca.net.

Honoring Mark's life and accomplishments.

We are deeply saddened to share that my longtime pillar of the metal building community Mark James passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years Paula, his son Jarrod, his grandchildren Brooklyn, Harley, Julian and his great-grandson Trevon. A service will be held in Dallas in the near future.

Mark’s career began remarkably early. At just eight years old, he worked as a blueprint boy for his father’s company. He later attended the University of Missouri and continued his education at night through the Finlay School of Engineering in Kansas City, Missouri.

In the late 1970s, Mark designed roof systems using dimensional lumber to retrofit flat roofs with truss-framed sloped roofs — Ultimately contributing to more than 30 million square feet of retrofit projects. In 1981, he was recruited by Kirby Building Systems as their Special Projects Manager, prompting a move to Houston, Texas. In 1984, he accepted a district manager position with United Structures of America, and four years later, in 1988, he became a partner in Genesis Group, Inc. of Baton Rouge, where he worked on both new metal buildings and retrofit projects.

Moving now to Dallas, Texas, Mark joined Roof Hugger, Inc. in 2009, where his impact was immediate and lasting. He developed standard details, product specifications, sales presentations and represented the company at numerous industry association meetings. He became deeply involved in the Metal Construction Association (MCA), eventually serving as chairman of the retrofit council. In that role, he helped create many of the AIA education programs that continue
to be used today.

He was a familiar face at RCI (now IIBEC), MBCEA and other industry organizations. Mark also played a major role in creating and setting up many of the METALCON Live Demo displays, including the Metal Roofing Games Competition and the Solar Bay exhibit. To say he was well known in our industry is an understatement.

After retiring from Roof Hugger in 2014, Mark founded his consulting firm, RetroSpec, LLC, continuing to advise Roof Hugger, MCA and many other metal-related companies. He and Paula then moved to Hot Springs, Arizona, where they enjoyed a beautiful home and surroundings and after buying a large camper, they traveled across the country while he continued consulting remotely.

In 2019, Mark received MCA’s prestigious Larry A. Swaney Award, recognizing his commitment to communication, cooperation, unity and the advancement of the metal construction industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was an accomplished artist, cabinet maker and interior designer. He loved his family deeply, and those of us who knew and worked with him will miss him profoundly.

The new board and executive committee were announced during IIBEC’s Annual Meeting of the Members, held March 12–15, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) on March 15, 2026, announced the results of its recent board and officer elections.

IIBEC President Chris Dawkins, PE, passed the president’s gavel to new IIBEC President Jennifer Hogan, REWC, CBECxP, RRO, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, making Dawkins IIBEC’s immediate past president. Burt Carver, RRC, RRO, is IIBEC’s new first vice president, and Julie Palmer, RRO, is IIBEC’s new second vice president. Joining the IIBEC Executive Committee as its secretary-treasurer is Jon Cannon, RRC, REWC, RRO, REWO, CDT.

New to the IIBEC Board of Directors for 2026–2027 are Region IV Director Mallory Buckley, RRO, PE, BECxP + CxA+BE and Region V Director André Coppin, RRC, RRO, AIA. Re-elected for a second term was Region VI Director Jon Solland, RRC, RWC, RRO, PEng. The full IIBEC Executive Committee and IIBEC Board of Directors for 2025–2026 are:

• President: Jennifer Hogan, REWC, CBECxP, RRO, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, Pretium Engineering Inc.
• First Vice President: Burt Carver, RRC, RRO, Apex Building Sciences Inc.
• Second Vice President: Julie Palmer, RRO, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
• Secretary/Treasurer: Jon Cannon, RRC, REWC, RRO, REWO, CDT
• Immediate Past President: Chris Dawkins, PE, Beech Consulting Inc.
• Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President: Brian Pallasch, CAE, IIBEC
• Region I: Norm Crouse, RRO, Dedicated Roof & Hydro Solutions
• Region II: Nick Tribble, RRO, SKA Consulting Engineers Inc.
• Region III: Charles T. Sietmann, RRC, RRO, REWO, CCCA, CIT, Building Technology Group
• Region IV: Mallory Buckley, RRO, PE, BECxP + CxA+BE, Walter P Moore & Associates
• Region V: André Coppin, RRC, RRO, RA, Cornerstone Architectural Group
• Region VI: Jon Solland, RRC, RWC, RRO, PEng, RJC Engineers
• Region VII: Stephanie Robinson, PEng, WSP Canada Inc.

“I’m honored to be surrounded by a such a strong leadership team,” Hogan said. “IIBEC has never been better positioned to meet the demands of our evolving industry.”

The new board and executive committee were announced during IIBEC’s Annual Meeting of the Members, part of the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show, held March 12–15, 2026, in Sacramento, California.

Contact: Christian Hamaker, director of publications and communications, 919-859-0742.

About the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC)

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is an association of design professionals who specialize in building enclosure projects. IIBEC members design, investigate and manage roofing, exterior wall and waterproofing systems and projects. IIBEC’s 3,900 members worldwide are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and competence and are guided by a Code of Ethics that they reaffirm on an annual basis. The IIBEC Code of Ethics holds paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their duties.

The Excellence in Building Enclosure Consulting Awards went to winners in four categories.

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) awarded its Excellence in Building Enclosure Consulting (EBEC) Awards—now in their third year—to winners in four categories. The awards, handed out March 14 during the 2026 IIBEC International Conference and Trade Show in Sacramento, California, went to building enclosure consultants for the following projects:

• Roofing: “Roof Recovery & Embodied Carbon Material Selection,” submitted by Milirsan Pugalendiran, RRO, of WSP Canada Inc.
• Waterproofing: “Park Place on Peachtree Plaza Redevelopment,” submitted by: Christopher Giffin, F-IIBEC, RRC, AIA, of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc.
• Exterior Wall: “Raymond Desmarais Manor Deep Energy Retrofit,” submitted by Jennifer Hogan, REWC, CBECxP, RRO, LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant, of Pretium Engineering Inc.
• Building Enclosure: “Atrium on Commonwealth,” submitted by Christopher Grey, RRC, REWC, PE, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH)

“The EBEC Awards are now in their third year, and I couldn’t be more excited about the quality and excellence of the building enclosure projects that have been awarded,” said IIBEC executive vice president and CEO Brian Pallasch. “It is exciting to see the promise of this new awards program come to life.”

The 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show took place March 12–15 in Sacramento, California.

About IIBEC

The International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) is an association of design professionals who specialize in building enclosure projects. IIBEC members design, investigate, and manage roofing, exterior wall, and waterproofing systems and projects. IIBEC’s 3,900 members worldwide are dedicated to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and competence and are guided by a Code of Ethics that they reaffirm on an annual basis. The IIBEC Code of Ethics holds paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of their duties.

Michael had been active with the IIBEC Mid-South Chapter for several years, serving as a chapter director, secretary/treasurer and vice president.

Michael Hadden, RRO®, an IIBEC member for 20 years, died February 2, 2026. A participant in more than 25 IIBEC events, Hadden most recently attended the 2025 IIBEC Building Enclosure Symposium in St. Louis, Missouri.

“A proud veteran of the United States Navy and mentor to many, Mike was the champion of second (and third and fourth) chances and always found good in even the worst of us,” stated a published obituary. “Mike loved God, his family, fishing and dogs. He was a protector, advisor and advocate for many. He took in those who had found themselves at the bottom of the cliff and tried to patch them up, clean them up, preach them up, and set them on a better path. He was strong enough to tell the truth when it would have been much easier to look the other way. He knew the truth can be hard to face, but anything else is a lie.”

Hadden, who worked for Building and Earth Sciences Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama, had been a Registered Roof Observer since 2005. He had been active with the IIBEC Mid-South Chapter for several years, serving as a chapter director, secretary/treasurer and vice president.

According to the published obituary, Hadden “traveled extensively for work and blessed many people along the way with his positive attitude, encouragement, and always a sense of humor.” A list of Hadden’s brothers — including Johnny Hadden, RRO, also an IIBEC member — sisters, and other surviving relatives is also included in the published obituary.

By Emma Peterson. 

This IIBEC education session is a great opportunity for contractors and other professionals interested in the legal landscape of construction. 

In just a couple weeks, March 12-15, 2026, over 1,700 consultants, architects, engineers, design professionals and other professionals working in the building envelope industry will convene in Sacramento, California for the 2026 International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Convention and Tradeshow.  

This event is not only a great opportunity to network with your peers in the industry and explore an extensive expo hall full of the latest advancements in building science technology, but it is also an opportunity for you to learn from industry leaders in education sessions designed to help you grow professionally! One such session is the “State of the Industry: A Look at Contract Provisions and Other Emerging Trends” led by Trent Cotney of Adams and Reese. 

Trent is one of the leading construction lawyers in the field. With over 25 years of legal experience, Trent is licensed in nine different states and serves as general counsel for more than 10 trade associations and organizations, including the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Florida Roofing & Sheet Metal Association (FRSA), Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) and Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA). 

In his IIBEC education session, which will be hosted Friday, March 13, 2026 from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Trent will share an up-to-date overview of the industry’s legal landscape and guide attendees through an exploration of “how recent legal developments, regulatory changesand market conditions are reshaping risk allocation, project delivery and compliance strategies.” Participants will walk away with actionable strategies that equip them to:  

• Navigate contract provisions confidently: Whether it’s scope of work, indemnification, payment terms or dispute resolution provisions, Trent’s session will help attendees recognize and navigate these key elements of a contract.  
• Analyze and respond to emerging trends: You will walk away with a better understanding of current and anticipated policy trends, such as those related to labor and immigration.  
• Evaluate risk management options: Attendees of the session will learn about evolving contract language as related to risk management for owners, general contractors and subcontractors. 
• Adapt their businesses to new market realities: Ultimately, this session will give you the skills needed to adapt your business to reflect new market realities. 

Not only is this a great opportunity for you to get a better understanding of your industry and boost your career, but Trent’s session has been approved for 1.25 IIBEC CEH and 1.25 AIA LU/Elective!  

If you haven’t already, make sure you are registered to attend the 2026 IIBEC Convention and Expo! And if you’re interested in learning more about Trent’s session or any of the other education opportunities at the show, check out the full schedule online.