The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) is entering a defining moment marked by new leadership, expanded advocacy, and a stronger voice for the independent restorer.
From a new Chief Executive Officer to a dedicated Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs and a brand new Voice of the Independent Task Force, RIA continues to build on strong momentum and advance its mission on behalf of its members and the industry through member-driven ideas.
Saima Hedrick Named CEO
RIA recently announced a planned leadership transition as Kristy Cohen moves on to a new professional opportunity after a period of organizational growth and expanded industry engagement.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are grateful for Kristy’s leadership and the momentum she helped build for the Association and its members,” said Jeff Moore, RIA Board President. “The RIA enters this next chapter from a position of strength.”
The Board selected Saima Hedrick as RIA’s new Chief Executive Officer following a structured onboarding and transition process designed to ensure continuity.
“The Board is fully aligned and excited about this next chapter,” Moore said. “Saima brings strong leadership, a collaborative approach, and a deep commitment to our mission.”
Hedrick will focus on engaging members and stakeholders while advancing RIA’s strategic priorities.
“I am honored to step into this role at such a pivotal and positive moment for the RIA,” Hedrick said. “With more than 18 years of strategic association executive experience, I look forward to collaborating alongside the Board, staff, and members to continue building on the Association’s momentum.”
Vince Scarfo to Lead Advocacy and Government Affairs
RIA also announced the appointment of Vince Scarfo as the Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs. He will actively monitor legislation and collaborate with lawmakers across all 50 states to ensure your interests are protected and your concerns are heard. By expanding our grassroots efforts, Vince will give you a seat at the table and build a powerful, unified voice that speaks directly for restoration professionals.
Scarfo brings more than two decades of senior executive experience, nearly two decades on Capitol Hill, and firsthand experience leading an independent restoration company. His background positions him to work with policymakers, regulators, carriers, and industry partners on issues affecting restorers.
“The sharp increase in legislation affecting restorers makes one thing clear: our collective voice must be heard,” Scarfo said. “When we are not engaged, others shape our future. There has never been a more important time for our industry to help shape policy.”
Scarfo will oversee legislative strategy, grassroots engagement, carrier relations, and coalition partnerships as part of RIA’s broader advocacy expansion.
Vince has already been on the road meeting with members and legislators at NCOIL (National Council of Insurance Legislators), attending INTRConnect and Elevate, and speaking at the RIA Regional Event with IICRC’s Robbie Bradshaw about how the two organizations partner on legislative issues. He is also tracking bills across all 50 states and continuing to expand RIA’s advocacy efforts.
Want to keep up with our advocacy efforts? Join RIA and gain access to the Advocacy Action Hub, where you can access campaigns that impact you and your business with preset templates to make it easy for you to add your voice to the conversation, as well as get the RIA Member AGA Newsletter once a month that rolls everything into one newsletter so you can stay on top of everything.
Voice of the Independent Task Force
RIA continues to emphasize its mission to educate, advocate, and elevate restoration professionals, with the Voice of the Independent serving as a key mechanism for independent contractor input and industry guidance.
This task force is uniquely guided by independent restorers who have regional or state footprints and are not franchises or PE-backed. These restorers will help capture the unique viewpoint of these companies as they provide critical input that will shape advocacy positions, guide development of industry education, and bring the independent voice to the table in a way RIA has not previously had. We are proud to have a diverse group of leaders with long tenures in the restoration industry and different markets from around the United States.
We are proud to celebrate the leaders serving on this new task force.
The chairs of this task force are:
- Nate Judy: General Manager, Tobin Restoration in Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Marcie Richardson: COO, Guarantee Restoration in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The inaugural members include:
- Adam Hensley: Director of Operations, Restorm Restoration, Noblesville, Indiana
- Andy Mason: Owner/GM, Level Creek Property Restoration, Braselton, Georgia
- Brad Heise: CEO, Phoenix Renovation and Restoration, Overland Park, Kansas
- Doug Weatherman: COO, Rare Restoration, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Hunter Olmstead: Owner/GM, Teasdale Fenton Cleaning & Property Restoration, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Jim Kowalski: Partner/Owner, Kowalski Construction, Inc., Phoenix, Arizona
- Zac Curry: COO, Rumsey Construction and Restoration, Columbia, South Carolina
Why This Matters
The leadership appointments reflect RIA’s continued focus on advocacy, industry engagement, and contractor representation. With expanded government affairs capacity, a renewed emphasis on independent contractor input, and a strong and experienced leader coming in as CEO, the RIA aims to strengthen its role as the restoration voice to the industry and beyond.
Applications for the Voice of the Independent will open annually to ensure new voices continue to rotate onto this advisory board. Please follow RIA Social Media accounts to make sure you are always informed.
How to Get Involved
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