"I love to build things," says Jennifer Keegan, Senior Director, Building & Roofing Science for GAF and Siplast. "I knew really young that I wanted to be an architect." And, despite hearing "women need to be teachers or nurses," as a girl, her vision never wavered.
That clarity of purpose, plus the remarkable power of Jennifer Keegan's servant leadership, has culminated in her current role representing Siplast and GAF. Jennifer helms a 14-person professional team dedicated to technical industry leadership, project support, research, and education.
Learn how the magnetic force of one woman has helped drive collaboration and growth across the industry.
Early Inspirations and Foundations
Jennifer's fascination with architecture began early. As a child, she sketched detailed maps and crafted miniature models. She recalls, "It was all about the space and the environment around me and how that informs life."
Jennifer's determination carried her through significant barriers toward her goals. "My being the only woman started very young," she says. In high school, she was initially turned away from mechanical drafting. "I was told, 'You're a smart girl, and this shop class is for bad boys, so you can't take the class.'"
Undeterred, she teamed up with a teacher mentor, Mr. McCafferty. "He gave me extra assignments because I was that kind of nerdy kid," she says. "I loved mentally taking things apart and figuring out how you show them in two dimensions."
Career Pivot: Discovering Building Enclosure Consulting
In just four years, Jennifer earned dual degrees from Lehigh University: a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. While she appreciated the technical aspects of engineering, her architecture classes proved frustrating because, as she says, "I was so grounded in practical reality. I liked everything in spreadsheets and boxes."
After graduating, she received job offers for "amazing architecture and engineering firms," but nothing appealed to her. Then, a chance recommendation transformed Jennifer's career.
"I took the train to D.C., and Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) took me to two job sites for my interview. I was on a roof, and I was on scaffolding," she recalls. That was the moment Jennifer discovered building enclosure consulting.
"It was live-time problem-solving," Jennifer explains. "I was like, 'Sign me up.'"
Building Expertise at WJE
From June 1998 to November 2008, Jennifer flourished as a Building Enclosure Consultant at WJE. Her special focus was difficult access projects (she has Level 1 Certification, Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians), and eventually, she helped found WJE's Sacramento, California office.
Her talent and drive didn't go unnoticed, and "the three Jims" significantly shaped her path moving forward. Jim Chiropolos strengthened her organizational and problem-solving skills; Jim Strong introduced her to industry standards committees, empowering her engagement in ASTM; and Jim Mahaney guided her into construction defect litigation, emphasizing professional visibility and collaboration.
Jennifer served as an ASTM board member from 2009 to 2020, as the ASTM D08.22 Chair for more than 10 years, and as the D08 + E06 + C24 Symposium Chair. From the beginning, she asked, "Why are we sitting around this table all the time? Let's have a group dinner. Let's do hands-on activities. Let's do a symposium and breathe energy into the committee."
Seeing an opportunity for growth through collaboration, Jennifer questioned why ASTM D08.22 remained insular. "I started the very first cross-functional symposia for ASTM and got other committees to join us." Her strategic thinking identified that "we're not just Roofs and Waterproofing; let's get the Wall Division and bring in Insulation, because we should all be talking together."
Mid-Career Growth
Moving to Western Waterproofing, where she was Business Development Manager from November 2008 to August 2011, Jennifer tackled reputation repair through innovative client education initiatives. Jennifer recalls her strategy: "Let's host education classes they can't get otherwise. Let's do some terracotta restoration, so they can get their hands dirty." Thanks to these hands-on, practical workshops, Jennifer helped the company rebuild trust and communication.
Next, as Associate Director at Navigant Consulting from August 2011 to June 2014, Jennifer provided technical analysis of design and construction processes and performance in architectural standard of care cases. She spent her time refining her expertise and further honing her skills, especially in navigating high-stakes litigation environments. She also realized she was drawn to collaboration over the combative nature of legal disputes.
Shift Into Manufacturing
As the Northeast Regional Manager of Building Science Solutions for Intertek from June 2014 to April 2018, Jennifer flourished professionally. "I opened their Philadelphia office. I opened their New York office. I was working on their Boston office before I left. But, I was averaging 80-hour weeks, and that's just not sustainable."
"However, my chair position at ASTM helped me be in the right place at the right time, get to know the right people, and be visible in the industry," she says. And then, GAF created a job unique to her.
Transition to Building Science
Jennifer joined GAF's Building & Roofing Science (BRS) Team in 2018, succeeding Tom Taylor, PhD. She soon redefined the team's purpose, shifting from a narrow product focus—to broader, more inclusive education programs.
In 2021, BRS was realigned to more directly support the GAF sales organization, and Jennifer's team focus shifted to broadening visibility for GAF and Siplast in the design community. Her team's grown from three to fourteen strong, and their research and education now strengthens both brands' market positions.
Present Day Leadership
Jennifer's current role integrates seamlessly with her earlier career experiences. Deeply familiar with Siplast products from her consulting days—"I was a Siplast loyalist," she notes—Jennifer bridges technical education with strategic specification influence.
Her innovative contributions have also helped Siplast's RISE Plant Tour by challenging participants to problem-solve using Siplast products.
"Take this hypothetical school in South Florida—what roof would you put on it?" Next, Jennifer might change project parameters, such as removing the option for torch or changing geographic location.
At the end, she'd say, "'Guess what? There are a bunch of right answers. You're not wrong. Let's weigh the pros and cons of each approach.' It really just helps them strengthen their understanding of all the options Siplast offers."
Leadership in Service
Through industry leadership, Jennifer was invited to LEARN (Board Member, 2023–2024, Vice Chair, 2025). The association—spurred by a collaboration between Google and PBK Architects—was formed to cultivate the most cutting-edge research, better serve superintendents and school districts, and build and retrofit the schools of the future.
Looking Forward
Jennifer also serves on the National Women in Roofing, Executive Committee 2020–2024, Executive Committee Chair 2023, and Sponsorship Committee Chair 2025. Initially hesitant, Jennifer quickly realized its empowering potential.
"This association has had a ripple effect," she says, elevating professionalism and respect within the industry. Now, "I see an opportunity to expand beyond women's voices while exploring how we can become more inclusive and bring men in to be allies."
Next Generation Advice
"Get involved and raise your hand. Say 'yes,' even if you're unsure," Jennifer says. People will rally to help you. "That's how you build lifelong relationships. That's how you build trust. That's how you advance your career. And that's how you open doors. Just raise your hand and say, 'Hey, I'm interested.'"
That advice goes both ways, says Jennifer. "Once you're involved, inviting others is critical. "It's on experienced professionals to extend a hand, says Jennifer. "Say, 'Hey, come, join me. We need somebody with your energy, your interest, your focus,' whatever that is, and invite them in.
For Siplast, Jennifer exemplifies the ethos of combining technical mastery, visionary leadership, and a passionate commitment to innovation and education, driving the industry forward through meaningful collaboration.
