After its founding in 2024, Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, powered by Roofing Alliance, at Clemson University continues to gain credibility for its powerful work happening across the roofing industry. So much of the success is driven by professionals who are passionate about the roofing industry and the work that the Center is doing on a national scale.
Trent Cotney, partner and construction team leader at Adams & Reese law firm in Tampa, Florida, has spent his career dedicated to construction and working in his passion for the roofing industry. He is a leading attorney in his field of practice, with over 25 years of experience, and serves as general counsel to trade associations and organizations. For Cotney, making this endowment gift to Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, powered by the Roofing Alliance, is a natural step in his journey.
“I have been fortunate to spend my career in the roofing industry, and I have seen firsthand how important education, innovation, and strong leadership are to its future. My involvement with the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Roofing Alliance helped reinforce my desire to give back in a meaningful way, and Center is creating a unique opportunity to bring education and industry together,” said Cotney. “I am proud to support that effort and hope this endowment helps create opportunities for the next generation of roofing professionals and leaders.”
Dhaval Gajjar, Wilbur O. “Billy” and Ann Powers distinguished associate professor and director of the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, said Cotney’s generosity makes a lasting difference.
“We are extremely grateful for Trent Cotney’s generosity through this endowment. It helps us build upon the existing Center initiatives and create lasting impact for the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, powered by the Roofing Alliance, in terms of workforce development and research initiatives while building lasting partnerships within the roofing profession.”
This generous gift marks the second endowment made to the Center by industry leaders over the last few months and serves to highlight how meaningful the relationships between academia and industry have been. These gifts lay a strong foundation for the Center as it continues to grow and make lasting impacts on workforce development, research, and education for an essential industry.
To learn more about the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership, Powered by Roofing Alliance, at Clemson University, visit the Center’s website.
