2024 Metal Construction News Hall of Fame – Founder
For nearly five decades, Bill Hippard has worked in various facets of the metal construction industry. Throughout the course of his 45-year career, he was a staunch ambassador for the industry, advocating the use of products to industry professionals. Specifically, Hippard played an essential role in establishing the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) in 1998, and The Metal Initiative (TMI), an industry-wide organization formed to market the use of metal roof and wall panels to architects, contractors, building owners, and construction specifiers. Further, he served as MRA’s president from 2006 to 2014, and its executive director from 2015 to 2016.
Hippard has extensive experience serving on the boards of several other industry organizations, including the Metal Construction Association (MCA), the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), and the National Coil Coaters Association (NCCA), where he served as the chair of the marketing committee. “It was a great experience to be able to work in the metals industry for over 45 years. Over that time, I met a lot of great people and developed lasting friendships,” says Hippard. “The hours I spent working with the industry’s associations like MCA, MBMA, MRA, NFBA [National Frame Building Association], to name a few, showed the importance of educating the markets you are committed to serve. It was exciting to be a part of the growth we all enjoyed.”
During his 17-year tenure at MCA, Hippard was instrumental in the creation of the MCA Guide Specifications for metal roofing. He was president of MCA for three years, treasurer from 2005 to 2008, nominating committee chair from 2002 to 2003, and the organization’s governance committee chair in 2004.
Further, he played a substantial part in securing financing from the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) for market development initiatives for both MCA and MRA.
In addition to his roles on the boards of numerous associations, Hippard held several management positions at U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh, Pa., and was vice-president of sales at Precoat Metals in St. Louis, Mo., for 25 years. Ultimately, he believes organizations are crucial for the industry. “The challenges in the AEC marketplace will continue to evolve, and industry associations will be very important in not only keeping pace but being leaders,” says Hippard
