ST. LOUIS — The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has announced the appointment of Bill Hippard as executive director of the organization focused on building the residential metal roofing industry. Hippard replaces Tom Black, the MRA’s inaugural executive director, who has retired. In his new role, Hippard will be responsible for the daily management of the MRA’s ongoing North American marketing program to increase metal roofing’s residential market share.

Hippard brings more than 40 years of industry experience to his new position, including a wide variety of management positions with both U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh and Pre-Coat Metals in St. Louis. He recently retired from Pre-Coat Metals as vice president of sales.

With a strong background of industry leadership, Hippard previously served as president of the Metal Construction Association (MCA) for three years. Hippard was also the president of the MRA Executive Committee beginning in 2004. Dick Bus, president of ATAS International, will replace Hippard on the MRA board as the new president of the Metal Roofing Alliance.

“Bill’s deep knowledge of all the components of the metal industry supply chain, from the raw materials through distribution and sales, will be a tremendous asset as we move forward with our plans to grow the residential metal roofing marketplace,” stated Bus. “The Metal Roofing Alliance is fortunate to have someone with Bill’s skills to replace Tom Black, who helped to launch the organization in 1998. Tom’s marketing vision has enabled MRA and our industry to grow substantially, and we expect Bill to continue that effort.”

 “I couldn’t be happier to begin this new chapter in my career and with the MRA,” commented Hippard. “The Metal Roofing Alliance is in a unique position —every 1 percent we’re able to grow the residential metal roofing market will result in 100,000 tons of new steel in use, creating a ripple effect that positively impacts all members of the supply chain. The organization provides a fantastic return on investment for the metal industry.”

For more information, visit www.metalroofing.com.