Board Profile: John Darnall
"What I get out of ICC is huge in my mind
and in my heart," says John Darnall (right). "I
do this because I truly believe I need to give, and
the benefits I've gained in leadership skills, negotiating
and compromise are invaluable."
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John Darnall, Assistant Director of Development Services
and the building official for the City of Tumwater, Washington,
and Code Council Board Member, has spent the past 17 years
learning the ins and outs of his growing community located
at the southern tip of Puget Sound. Located near Olympia,
the state capitol, Darnall said that Tumwater has greatly
benefited from his work with the International Code Council.
 "Through
my involvement with ICC, and being on its Board of Directors,
Tumwater is promoted across the country," Darnall said.
A self-described "people person" who is extremely
passionate about the work he does, Darnall also noted that
ICC involvement has given him opportunities to be involved
and work with others in the field, sharing knowledge and listening
to member ideas and concerns.
"What I get out of ICC is huge in my mind and in my
heart. I do this because I truly believe I need to give,"
he said. "The benefits I've gained in leadership skills,
negotiating and compromise are invaluable."
Born in Wyoming, Darnall began his building inspection career
in Cheyenne. He transitioned to his current career path from
construction, where he worked as a carpenter, and, at one
point, ran a construction business. "My life was in construction,
and there was a lot of satisfaction. I'd swing a hammer and
stand back and say, 'I built that,' but it was not a reality
for me to stay in that field forever."
Working for the City of Cheyenne as a building inspector
provided financial stability for Darnall's growing family.
As his career took off, he was promoted to building official
and was elected as vice president of the Wyoming Conference
of Building Officials. After five years he relocated to Tumwater,
where he lives only two blocks from his office. He enjoys
walking to work and going home for lunch.
"I get an opportunity to be involved in all aspects
of construction, not just in the building end of it,"
Darnall said. As Assistant Director, Darnall oversees the
permit process of the department, which includes building,
engineering and planning. Darnall is also responsible for
representing the fire department in new construction.
 His
job functions and being on the ICC Board lead to a naturally
hectic schedule, but he feels a sense of duty to share with
others, and a sense of pride from doing so. Darnall said he
would like to see ICC focus on three primary areas in the
years to come: membership, further exploration of electronic
media in code enforcement, and continuing to work on bringing
the federal government on board to develop a nationwide code.
Darnall believes ICC's success rests on continuing to build
a strong membership foundation for the organization.
"Visiting chapters is a critical role of a Board member.
It provides a real connection that is necessary to keep in
touch with all of our members. People want to have input;
they want to know what's going on," Darnall said.
Borrowing from the "gift of gab" he said his father
handed down to him, Darnall believes that being approachable
gives him an advantage and assists him in taking on a mentoring
role in the field. "My skills and what I'm known for
is being available and approachable. I'm not afraid to say
what's on my mind."
Through mentoring and education, Darnall said that members
will grow and learn, making ICC a stronger organization for
all associated with it.
 Darnall
said that strong backing from the City of Tumwater and its
officials have made his ICC involvement possible. "The
mayor has commented numerous times that he was proud of my
commitment on behalf of Tumwater." Darnall thanks Development
Services Director Roger Gellenbeck, City Administrator Doug
Baker, and Mayor Ralph Osgood for supporting and believing
in the importance of its cause.
When Darnall finds himself with some free time, he enjoys
fishing, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Betsy,
his three grown daughters, Jennifer, Lori, and Kerry, and
their two dogs.
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