NRCA continues to advance roofing through workforce, advocacy and safety initiatives

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Understanding key updates and insights on the initiatives shaping the future of roofing as I prepare to join the NRCA board in June 2026. 

One of the most important resources we have in the roofing industry are our associations. They bring contractors, manufacturers, distributors and service providers together to solve challenges, advocate for our businesses and help move the industry forward. I am proud to be joining the board of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) in June of 2026 and as I continue to learn about new initiatives, ongoing challenges and meaningful advocacy efforts, I want to share this information with the industry. 

One of the things I appreciate most about NRCA is the communication and transparency coming from leadership. McKay Daniels, CEO of NRCA, consistently keeps members informed about what is happening behind the scenes, not just the wins, but also the challenges and priorities shaping the future of roofing. 

In a recent update to industry executive members, McKay shared, “Here is a rundown of some of the things the association has been up to recently. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas or suggestions. NRCA is a volunteer-led organization… your input really matters.” 

That is exactly how McKay leads, with open arms and an open mind. It is a leadership style rooted in collaboration and listening, recognizing that some of the best ideas come directly from contractors and roofing professionals working in the field every day. Here are just a few updates from his recent communication and why they matter to the roofing industry. 

If there is one issue touching every contractor today, it is workforce. Whether companies are looking for labor, training future leaders or helping crews advance professionally, NRCA continues to invest heavily in workforce development and education. McKay shared that the association recently “delivered multiple CERTA Train-the-Trainer and private classes for members” while also completing PROCertification exams to help contractors meet project specification requirements. These programs continue to strengthen professionalism in roofing while creating career pathways for workers entering the trade. 

At the same time, NRCA is expanding its reach with the next generation. NRCA staff attended SkillsUSA competitions in California, Texas and Washington, with Texas and Washington representingnew state participation. That momentum is continuing nationally as NRCA prepares to support a record number of roofing competitors at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this June. The growing participation reflects increasing awareness of roofing as a viable and rewarding career path and highlights the association’s commitment to introducing young people to opportunities in the roofing trades. 

By showing students what roofing careers can offer, NRCA is helping build awareness of an industry filled with opportunity, innovation and long-term career growth. 

NRCA also continues its commitment to education beyond the rooftop. The association recently hosted its annual LegalCon Virtual seminar, addressing issues contractors are navigating every day. McKay noted topics ranging from immigration issues and managing risk in roofing contracts to using telemetry fleet data as a legal advantage. LegalCon has become a trusted annual event, helping members stay informed on legal, operational and business risks impacting roofing companies. 

Of course, workforce conversations naturally lead to advocacy and this continues to be one of NRCA’s strongest areas of focus. Roofing Day in D.C. recently brought together 200 roofing professionals to meet with lawmakers across 158 House and Senate offices, advocating for workforce solutions and affordable housing policies. 

McKay also reported that “NRCA staff met with senior White House officials on immigration reform tied to security and workforce needs,” while the association endorsed the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act, legislation proposing payroll tax credits to offset apprentice wages and training expenses. These efforts matter because advocacy happening in Washington D.C. directly impacts the future workforce available to roofing contractors across the country. 

Safety and worker wellbeing also remain front and center. NRCA served as a lead partner for the National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction while continuing to educate contractors on fall prevention resources, including NRCA’s Roof Deck Integrity Assessment Tool. During Mental Health Awareness Month, the association also highlighted mental health resources and worker wellbeing initiatives, reinforcing that jobsite safety extends beyond physical hazards. 

The Roofing Alliance, the foundation for the industry, is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year while continuing to make a tremendous impact through scholarships, research and education. From supporting students pursuing roofing-related careers to investing in long-term industry research, the Alliance continues to help strengthen roofing for future generations. McKay shared that the Alliance approved $114,000 in scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year supporting 23 students, while more than 600 professionals have completed roofing training through Clemson University. 

Research through the Roofing Alliance is also uncovering important insights into jobsite culture and safety. McKay noted that ongoing research is showing that “inconsistent safety behavior is driven more by risk perception and workplace culture than by rule awareness,” reinforcing that strong safety cultures are built through leadership, trust and engagement, not simply enforcement. 

Technical leadership continues to be another core focus. McKay reported that the Manual Update Committee recently completed the next update to The NRCA Roofing Manual, with the 2027 Membrane Roof Systems volume now in design and printing. These resources continue to provide contractors with trusted technical guidance and best practices. 

As I prepare to join the NRCA board, I continue to be impressed by the depth of work happening every day on behalf of roofing professionals. Associations matter because they amplify our voices, create opportunities and help guide the future of our industry. I look forward to sharing more updates from NRCA as together we continue building a stronger future for roofing.