HEATHER ESTES
Tega Cay,SC
Summary
Led initiatives to enhance building science standards through data analysis and code development. Managed projects effectively, fostering collaboration among team members to achieve objectives. Pursued opportunities to advance expertise in roofing and resiliency practices. Looking for next role as a leader in the roofing industry.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Codes & Regulatory Compliance Lead
GAF
Parsippany, NJ
09.2019 - Current
- Developed and maintained GAF's regulatory position by analyzing codes and monitoring actions directly or indirectly related to residential and commercial products.
- Engaged with product development and codes and testing teams to deepen knowledge of GAF products and their certification requirements.
- Applied in-depth understanding of building envelope dynamics to evaluate the integration of GAF products within system specifications.
- Conducted thorough research and analysis to improve resources related to fortified codes and regulatory requirements.
- Created comprehensive educational tools focused on codes and regulatory compliance to support sales product management and inform external customers.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to advise on and support product development initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Monitored industry meetings and trade association roles to ensure awareness of current trends and best practices.
- Conducted comprehensive assessment of product line to pinpoint gaps and certification needs, preparing for future compliance demands.
- Conducted thorough assessments and analyses of asphalt shingle performance, emphasizing impact testing and radiative property evaluations in R&D projects.
- Facilitated communication between legal department and strategic alliances to drive GAF's project advancements.
Research Manager & Materials Research Scientist
IBHS
Richburg, SC
04.2014 - 09.2019
- Expertly identified and categorized residential and commercial construction materials.
- Oversaw materials testing processes for roofing products to ensure quality and compliance.
- Executed chemical analyses on diverse materials utilizing wet chemistry techniques and advanced analytical equipment.
- Developed comprehensive reports on findings to guide decision-making processes.
- Mentored junior researchers, fostering skill development and enhancing team performance.
- Delivered engaging presentations on research findings at conferences and other industry events sharing insights with peers and colleagues.
Research Manager & Materials Research Scientist
IBHS (Continued)
Richburg, SC
04.2014 - 09.2019
- Executed thorough investigative research to analyze results and compile detailed reports and presentations that articulate research findings and strategic recommendations.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of building materials to determine resilience against wind and hail damage.
- Coordinated efforts with research colleagues and liaised with insurance companies to assess and address research requirements.
- Led collaboration with roofing manufacturers and testing laboratories to enhance product standards. Oversaw contributions to ASTM D08 roofing committee initiatives.
- Facilitated presentations of findings through travel, effectively communicating insights to various stakeholders, including insurance companies.
- Directed collaborative efforts of scientists and lab technicians to ensure effective materials testing for research projects.
- Designed and implemented internship program to enhance workforce development and provide valuable experience for interns.
- Created comprehensive training materials, including the Hail Impact Protocol, to support educational initiatives.
- Executed safety program initiatives to uphold compliance with industry standards and maintain certifications.
- Increased research efficiency by streamlining data collection and analysis processes.
Analytical Chemist
PRI ASPHALT TECHNOLOGIES
Tampa, FL
01.2012 - 04.2014
- Conducted gas chromatography and SARA analysis (FID) with Perkin Elmer GC and Iatroscans, ensuring strict compliance with established industry standards.
- Applied advanced wet chemistry methods, focusing on extractions and titrations, to ensure reliable and precise chemical analysis outcomes.
- Achieved comprehensive understanding of asphalt and construction materials through FT-IR spectroscopy. Enhanced project outcomes with in-depth analysis of material properties. Contributed to strategic project planning through precise data interpretation.
- Supervised x-ray elemental determination and organic analysis, resulting in improved laboratory performance and accuracy.
- Performed systematic equipment maintenance and calibrations to support troubleshooting efforts and improve operational performance.
- Conducted thorough assessments of all instruments to guarantee adherence to quality standards and proper functionality.
- Assessed processes via monthly quality control evaluations and compiled thorough reports to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Conducted in-depth analysis and refinement of techniques for the thorough evaluation of asphalt construction materials, paints, coatings, and crude oil.
- Assessed new technologies and practices to advance skill development and optimize performance in laboratory operations.
- Streamlined safety committee functions to foster clear communication and maintain adherence to safety regulations.
- Supervised lab technicians' daily tasks, facilitating skill enhancement and strict adherence to operational protocols.
- Pursued advanced instrument training courses to uphold professional expertise and comply with industry regulations.
- Facilitated logistics operations for sample shipments and engaged with external laboratories to guarantee timely and accurate data delivery to clients.
Analytical Chemist II
PARABEL
Fellsmere, FL
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Achieved accurate analysis of materials through rigorous testing. Interpreted complex specifications to enhance product quality. Documented observations to inform decision-making processes.
- Utilized a range of analytical techniques to assess protein content, evaluate metal concentrations, and test water quality parameters.
- Performed regular equipment calibrations and maintenance to uphold operational standards and reliability.
- Coordinated with global customers to implement effective lab testing solutions tailored to specific requirements.
- Conducted comprehensive reviews and revisions of standard operating procedures to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Facilitated research initiatives and managed supplementary responsibilities within a laboratory setting.
- Developed and executed new experimental protocols based on comprehensive data analysis and presentation.
- Executed precise navigation and mapping to locate specific lemnaceae species in diverse regions of Asia and South America.
- Coordinated activities of several lab technicians to maintain high standards of laboratory performance.
- Monitored and organized laboratory inventory to maintain operational efficiency.
Education
Master of Science - Chemistry
University Of North Carolina
Wilmington, NC05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Florida Institute Of Technology
Melbourne, FL01.2007
Skills
Project Management
Product testing
Research and Development
Methodology implementation
Team liaison
Building Codes and Regulations
Extremely organized
Public speaking
Technical Writing
Standards Development (ANSI, ASTM, and ICC-ES)
Association Management
Accomplishments
- National Women in Roofing’s Rising Star of 2021.
- WISE Spotlight Award For Outstanding Service
- RCMA Emerging Leader Award 2022
- ASTM D08 Certificate of Appreciation 2024
Affiliations
- American Coatings
- Asphalt Institute
- ASTM
- Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers
- Canadian Paint and Coatings
- CRRC
- CSA Group
- Polyiso Manufacturers
- Roof Coatings Manufacturers
- Single-Ply Roofing Industry
- American Chemical Society
- Science Ed. Outreach
- ASTM International
- D08.02 Chair
- International Society for Asphalt Pavements
- National Women in Asphalt
- National Women in Roofing
- Education Committee Chair 2020-2021
- The Society for Advancement of Material and Process Engineering
PUBLICATIONS
- New Asphalt Shingle Hail Impact Performance Test Protocol and Damage Assessment, T.M. Brown-Giammanco, Ph.D., I.M. Giammanco, Ph.D., and H.E. Estes. Natural Hazards Review. Vol 22, Issue 4. 2021.
- Laboratory Conditioning Methods for Asphalt Shingles. H.E. Estes and M. Morrison, Ph.D. ASTM Symposium on Roofing and Waterproofing. 2020.
- Large-Scale and Full-Scale Laboratory Test Methods for Examining Wind Effects on Buildings, H.E. Estes, C. Alfano, Ph.D., T. Johnston, T.M. Brown-Giammanco, Ph.D., and M. Morrison, Ph.D. Frontiers in Built Environment. 2017.
- Durability of Polymer-Modified Asphalt Shingles, H.E. Estes, T.M. Brown-Giammanco, Ph.D., and I.M. Giammanco, Ph.D. 2016 ISAP Symposium concurrent with 53rd Petersen Asphalt Research Conference. Jackson Hole, WY. July 18-21, 2016.
- Full-Scale Pressure Distribution on Asphalt Shingles, J.T. Smith, Ph.D., H.E. Estes, and M. Morrison, Ph.D. 4th American Association for Wind Engineering, Workshop. Miami, FL. August 14-16, 2016.
- Using 3-D Laser Scanning Technology to Create Digital Models of Hailstones, I.M. Giammanco, Ph.D., B.R. Maiden, H.E. Estes, and T.M. Brown-Giammanco, Ph.D. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. 2016.
Timeline
Principal Codes & Regulatory Compliance Lead
GAF
09.2019 - Current
Research Manager & Materials Research Scientist
IBHS
04.2014 - 09.2019
Research Manager & Materials Research Scientist
IBHS (Continued)
04.2014 - 09.2019
Analytical Chemist
PRI ASPHALT TECHNOLOGIES
01.2012 - 04.2014
Analytical Chemist II
PARABEL
01.2007 - 01.2012
Master of Science - Chemistry
University Of North Carolina
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Florida Institute Of Technology