The Roofing Alliance named Cori Vernam, director of marketing, cause and business development at Antis Roofing & Waterproofing Inc., as the 2026 Bennett Award recipient. She was recognized at the organization’s spring meeting in Jekyll Island, Ga., for her leadership and long-standing commitment to its partnership with Ronald McDonald House.

The Bennett Award honors individuals who go above and beyond in volunteerism and service to the Roofing Alliance and the industry. Vernam helped launch the Alliance’s relationship with Ronald McDonald House as part of the original task force, connecting contractors with locations across California and supporting projects including Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times.

Photo credit: The Roofing Alliance

SOPREMA U.S. will transition leadership effective July 1, naming Chief Operating Officer Greg Morgan as CEO as longtime leader Tim Kersey steps down after more than 14 years. Kersey will become chief technical officer, remaining involved in strategy and technical direction while shifting focus to family time in Arkansas.
Morgan, who joined SOPREMA in 2000, has more than 25 years with the company and over three decades in the building materials industry. As COO, he has led operations, supply chain, inventory, warehousing and parts of sales. He holds degrees in management information systems and business, an MBA in international business and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Under Kersey, SOPREMA U.S. grew more than sixfold and completed four acquisitions. Morgan is expected to lead continued growth and U.S. investment, while Kersey supports technical sales and strategic initiatives.

Photo Credit: SOPREMA.

GAF announced that Dan Karins will take over leadership of its commercial sales business, succeeding Alma Garnett, who will step back from day-to-day responsibilities at the end of 2026 and move into a long-term strategic advisory role.

Karins and Garnett have worked closely in recent years to grow GAF’s commercial segment by strengthening customer relationships, expanding the portfolio and building a foundation for future growth. Karins, a more than 20-year company veteran, is widely recognized by customers for advancing the commercial business.

Garnett, who joined GAF in 2021 with decades of industry experience, will remain involved through 2026 to support the transition. Under her leadership, GAF Commercial achieved significant momentum and growth.

Photo credit: GAF.

A 43-year-old roofing contractor died after falling from a rooftop while working on a home in Southborough, Mass., authorities said. Antonio Holger, of Fall River, was found with severe injuries after police and firefighters responded to the scene shortly before 4 p.m. on April 29. He was treated on site and transported to a hospital, where he later died.

The incident is under investigation by Southborough police, Massachusetts State Police and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.

The fatality comes as OSHA marks its 13th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction on May 4, highlighting ongoing risks. Federal data shows falls remain the leading cause of death in construction, accounting for 389 of 1,034 fatalities in 2024. It is at least the second reported roofing fall death this year, following a January incident in Alabama.

Photo Credit: Matt Gush - stock.adobe.com

Power Home Remodeling secured a growth investment from Bain Capital, Sixth Street and Harvest Partners Structured Capital to support its continued expansion. The firms will partner with Power management team and existing investor Harvest Partners, which remains the largest stakeholder. 

Based in Pennsylvania, Power has served more than 1 million customers across 26 territories and has grown steadily over the past decade, gaining share in the fragmented home improvement market. The company differentiates itself through a centralized operating model and proprietary platform supporting sales, installation and customer experience.

Photo Credit: GAF

U.S. asphalt shingle shipments fell 9.9% in the first quarter to 38.1 million squares, down from 42.3 million a year earlier, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. The decline follows a smaller drop in early 2025 and reflects continued softness in roofing demand.

Other categories posted steeper declines. Built-up roofing shipments dropped 16.7%, while modified bitumen fell 13.8%. Canadian shingle shipments declined 13.4%. Despite typical seasonal gains from the fourth quarter, year-over-year demand remains weak, particularly as residential construction activity lags and nonresidential growth remains uneven.

At the same time, rising material costs are adding pressure. Construction input prices increased 4.8% year over year in March, the largest gain since early 2023. Energy costs led the surge, with diesel fuel jumping 37.8% in a single month. Industry economists warn that persistent cost increases and uncertainty could delay projects and further constrain roofing demand.

Photo Credit: Sergey - stock.adobe.com