NCAT welcomes new inductees to Wall of Honor

Three influential leaders were inducted into the NCAT Wall of Honor for their contributions to Auburn University’s National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), enhancing its impact in the asphalt pavement industry.

This year’s inductees are Jay Winford, president of Prairie Contractors; Ron Sines, vice president of sustainability and decarbonization with CRH Americas Materials Inc.; and Christopher Roberts, president of Auburn University. Their previous contributions and ongoing work with NCAT have played a crucial role in the center’s growth and continued success.

Established in 2011, the NCAT Wall of Honor is a permanent display at NCAT's main facility in Auburn that recognizes its founders and key figures who have played an important role in supporting the center's mission of sharing asphalt research, education and information worldwide.

James “Jay” Winford Jr.

Winford served as National Asphalt Pavement Association’s (NAPA) chairman from 2020-21 and has been a member of the NCAT Board of Directors since 2005, including a term as chair from 2012-16. He has made notable contributions to the asphalt industry through his service with NAPA and NCAT. Under his leadership, NCAT experienced tremendous growth and development for the industry’s future, including the Road Scholars endowment campaign in 2024, which raised $3 million for graduate student fellowships. Winford holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering with a concentration in pavements and materials from Auburn University.

Jay Winford presented with a commemorative plaque for his induction onto the NCAT Wall of Honor. Pictured, from left: Randy West, Jay Winford, Audrey Copeland, Brian Enders.

Ron Sines

Sines began his service on the NCAT Board of Directors in 2010 and served as chair from 2017-23. During his tenure, he led the update of NCAT’s strategic plan to ensure alignment with the changing needs of the asphalt industry. In addition to his board service, he has chaired the NCAT Applications Steering Committee, providing technical guidance for research, training and outreach initiatives. Sines’ leadership in developing NAPA’s Road Forward program brought sustainability into the mainstream of asphalt pavement research.

Ron Sines presented with a commemorative plaque for his induction onto the NCAT Wall of Honor. Pictured, from left: Randy West, Ron Sines, Audrey Copeland, Brian Enders.

Christopher B. Roberts

Roberts served as vice chair of the NCAT Board of Directors from 2012-22 and was vital in renewing the NCAT agreement with the NAPA Research and Education Foundation (NAPAREF) in 2020. During his tenure as dean of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, he facilitated the transfer of ownership of the NCAT main office and laboratory to Auburn University, ensuring the center’s growth. As Auburn University’s president, he has strengthened the relationship between NCAT and key industry stakeholders, enhancing collaboration for further asphalt research.

Auburn University President Christopher Roberts presented with a commemorative plaque for his induction onto the NCAT Wall of Honor. Pictured, from left: Brian Enders, Audrey Copeland, Chris Roberts, Jay Winford, Randy West.

“The exceptional support that these three leaders have given to NCAT has helped our team of researchers and instructors succeed in meeting the center’s mission,” said Randy West, director of NCAT. “We are proud to recognize them in a way that allows everyone visiting our lab and training center to see and learn about their contributions to our success.”

The three inductees were honored with a permanent plaque on the Wall of Honor and a commemorative replica to take home in a ceremony on November 19 at NCAT’s facility.

Established in 1986 through a collaboration between Auburn University and the National Asphalt Pavement Association’s Research and Education Foundation, NCAT addresses the needs of maintaining America’s pavement infrastructure through practical research and development initiatives. The center’s mission is to provide innovative, implementable research, technology development and education that advance safe, durable and sustainable asphalt pavements. 

For more information about NCAT and its research initiatives, visit ncat.us.