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International Code Council Membership Elects Board Officers and Directors at the 2025 Annual Business Meeting

Cleveland, OH – On Oct. 20, 2025, members of the International Code Council (ICC) elected new officers and directors to its 2025-2026 Board of Directors during the Annual Business Meeting in Cleveland, OH.

The newly elected executive committee includes:

President— Mike Boso. Boso serves as Chief Building and Zoning Official of Grove City, OH. He is also a member of the Ohio Building Officials Association, the Central Ohio Building Officials Association, Region V of ICC and PermitTechNation.
Vice President— Steve McDaniel, CPCA. McDaniel is a Code Enforcement Officer with the City of Corning, NY. In addition to code enforcement, McDaniel serves as a building consultant, and for many years ran his own construction business. He has been an active member of several ICC Chapters in New York State and is Past President of the New York State Building Officials Conference.
Secretary/Treasurer — Michael Savage, MCP, CBO, CFPS, CEI-M. Savage is the Director of Building Safety for Marion County, FL. Savage currently holds 42 ICC certifications, including Master Code Professional, and has an Associate’s Degree in Construction Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
Immediate Past President –David Spencer, CBO, CBCO. Spencer is a Director of Operations with Safebuilt, LLC, in Adams County, WA. His team assists with plan reviews, inspections, customer service and technology needs. He is also a member of the Washington Association of Building Officials and the Region II Chapter of ICC.

Additionally, newly elected and re-elected directors include:

Section B Director for a three-year term: Jessica Fust, CBO, MPA. Fust is a Building Official and Facilities Manager for the City of Billings, MT. (Section B includes the states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.)
Section D Director for a three-year term: David Molnar. Molnar is a Master Plans Examiner for the County of Summit, OH, and Chief Building Official for the City of Aurora, OH. (Section D includes the states of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and the Canadian province of Ontario.)
Director At-Large for a three-year term: Jack Applegate, CBO, CEO, COSS. Applegate is President of the Board at Mortier Engineering PE, PC, and CEO of Northwest Code Professionals and MAE Engineering based in Eugene, OR.
Director At-Large for a three-year term: Rachel Parrish, PE, MBA, MCP, CBO. Parrish is a Development Services Engineer for the City of San Antonio, TX.
Director At-Large for a one-year term: Andy Higgins, MBA, CBO, MCP. Higgins is the Customer Success Director for Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections.

“ICC’s Board of Directors represents a powerful coalition of industry leaders who are deeply committed to advancing building safety and empowering our members,” said John Belcik, Chief Executive Officer of ICC. “Their collective insight and leadership strengthen our mission and expand our capacity to serve members and communities around the world with excellence and integrity.”

International Code Council Honors Building Safety Professionals with 2025 Awards

Cleveland, OH – During its 2025 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, the International Code Council recognized individuals and organizations within the building safety industry who stand as examples of industry excellence.

The Code Council honors the following:

The Bobby J. Fowler Award honors the legacy of the organization’s first chair of the Board of Directors. The award is presented to a leader who demonstrates compassion, professionalism and integrity in their duties. Robert Davidson, Managing Partner for Davidson Code Concepts, LLC, was presented with this year’s award.

The Chapter of the Year Award is presented to a chapter that best promotes the goals and mission of the Code Council. This year’s winner is Big Sky Country – Montana’s ICC Chapter.

The Chapter Merit Award is dedicated to chapters exhibiting the Code Council’s goals and objectives. This year’s award went to the Building Officials of Palm Beach County, the San Diego Fire Prevention Officers Association and the Maryland Building Officials Association.

The Community Service Award is given to those who provide outstanding service and promote the public health, safety and welfare of their local community. This year’s recipients are the City of Dallas Code Compliance and the City of South Fulton Code Enforcement.

The Educator of the Year Award acknowledges excellence in promoting professional development and is given in memory of Brent Snyder, a renowned Code Council educator and past presiding officer, who was known for his calm and inspiring leadership. The California Fire Prevention Institute was named the 2025 Educator of the Year.

The Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award is given to an individual who has helped promote the code enforcement profession and carries out the Code Council’s mission. Presented in honor of the founders of the three model code organizations, this year’s winner is Yolanda Bundy, Director of Environmental Sustainability Department and Building Official for the City of Malibu, CA.

The Global Award acknowledges distinguished service to the Code Council’s global mission and vision. The 2025 recipient is Jimata Kabua, Assistant Secretary for the Republic of Marshall Islands Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Utility.

The Meritorious Service Award recognizes an individual who has dedicated their time and talent to furthering the development of the Code Council’s codes and standards. The 2025 award is awarded to Lucas Pump, Building Inspector for the City of Cedar Rapids, IA.

The National Leadership in Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Award recognizes contributions to the growth and enhancement of codes or public policy related to sustainability and energy efficiency. The winner of the 2025 Leadership in Sustainability Award is Greg Johnson, Owner of Johnson & Associates Consulting Services.

The PMG Leadership Award is given to an individual or organization for exceptional service to the plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas and swimming pool/spa (PMG) industry. This year’s recipient is Spencer Brown, Director of Sales for Pfister Faucets and Project Lead of American Plumber Stories.

The Raising the Profile Award recognizes acts or contributions that raise public awareness of accomplishments by code personnel that improve public safety in the built environment. Ryan Celestino, Electrical Inspector with Newport News, VA, received this year’s award.

The Robert W. Gain Fire Prevention Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and longstanding dedication to the support of fire codes and fire prevention. Christopher Brunette, Chief of Fire and Life Safety with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, is the 2025 recipient.

The Trailblazer Award recognizes an outstanding mentor in the building safety industry who guides and inspires others in their code-related careers. This year’s award is presented to Julissa Garcia, Owner of j.design.studio in San Diego, CA.

The W. Scott Copp Chapter Leadership Award recognizes a chapter or individual that champions the Code Council mission and inspires others to become Code Council leaders. This prestigious award honors the memory of Scott Copp, a true leader who dedicated his career to advancing building safety at the local, state, regional and national levels. The 2025 winner is Adele Schaffeld, Building Official for Malheur County, OR.

“We deeply appreciate the commitment and contributions of our members and partner organizations, whose efforts continue to strengthen the safety, sustainability and resilience of our communities and the built environment,” said John Belcik, Chief Executive Officer of the Code Council. “It’s an honor to recognize the 2025 award recipients for their outstanding achievements.”

For more information on the Code Council Awards Program, click here.

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About the International Code Council
The International Code Council is the leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions. Code Council codes, standards and solutions are used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.

International Code Council’s 2025 Annual Conference and Expo to Kick Off in Cleveland, Ohio

Washington, D.C.– The International Code Council (ICC) will host its Annual Conference, Expo and Hearings at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland from Oct. 19-30, 2025. The event will offer a unique experience for building safety professionals from around the world to engage in educational sessions and network with peers.

“Our annual conference and code hearings are a catalyst for progress and innovation in the building safety industry,” said ICC Chief Executive Officer John Belcik. “By bringing together dedicated professionals, industry experts and community leaders, we create a space for meaningful connection, shared learning and collaboration. This annual event empowers our members to shape the future and strengthen the communities they serve.”

The Opening Session and Annual Business Meeting will take place on Monday, Oct. 20, and will feature updates from association leadership and the election of ICC Board Officers and Directors.

Participants will also benefit from eight tracks of educational sessions on hot topics in building safety. A new educational track will be offered this year for code enforcement professionals featuring topics ranging from inspection and compliance notices to safety protocols during inspections.

ICC has also partnered with ConstructReach to host a work-based learning event entitled, “I built this!” During this event, students will participate in hands-on activities and interactive demos led by construction professionals as well as get the opportunity to discuss career pathways with industry experts.

This year’s Committee Action Hearings will be held Oct. 22-30 and offer code officials, architects, builders, structural engineers, fire, residential and building code professionals, as well as those responsible for the administration of the International Codes® (I-Codes®), the opportunity to provide input on proposed code changes to the Group B #2 2027 I-Codes. The code hearings are free to attend and open to the public, but registration is required.

Click here for more information and use the hashtag #ICCAC25 to join the conversation on social media.

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Building Safety Regulatory Ecosystem Toolkit

This free, online toolkit is designed to be used by jurisdictions around the world to identify and improve the elements of their building safety regulatory ecosystems most critically in need. All essential elements of an effective building safety regulatory ecosystem are represented in the graphic and briefly described below. This page is a work in progress. Please check back soon for more information.

Legislation

In most countries, a law or act is required to implement a set of building regulations and set forth the framework for their enforcement. This resource offers the principles that should be included in enabling legislation for an effective building control system.

Building Code & Standards

The building code used in a jurisdiction should be right-sized and enforceable, and the standards referenced in that code should be aligned with both the code and the availability of materials and common construction practices in that jurisdiction. This resource provides a guide for creating or adapting a building code and aligning it with appropriate construction standards.

Building Department Administration & Enforcement

In order to coordinate compliance efforts, regulatory authorities need to be established to ensure that the intent of the building regulations is realized and it results in safer, more resilient, sustainable and affordable buildings. This resource offers the essential components and functions of an effective building department administration and enforcement network.

Licensing & Competency

Jurisdictions require a method to define, measure and monitor the required competencies for the various types of practitioners and construction professionals operating within the building control system. This resource offers a list of considerations for assessment, licensing and credentialing rules for jurisdictions to consider based on the availability of internal and external resources.

Plan Review & Permitting

Building designs and sites must be approved through a clearly defined and delineated process that ensures proper application of the building codes during the planning stages of building development activities. This resource provides guidance on establishing and maintaining these processes, which can be used to generate revenue to underwrite the operations of building departments.

Inspections

Inspectors, and special inspectors for certain types of construction and construction processes, with the necessary competencies and enforcement powers, should be conducting on-site inspections at all critical stages throughout the construction process. This resource is a guideline for establishing and maintaining an effective building inspection system, including consideration for qualifications, training and credentialing.

Product Compliance

Based on the mandated codes and standards, the jurisdictional authority will need a system in place to ensure that products specified in a building’s design are compliant – ideally using ISO/IEC 17065 accredited conformity assessment bodies. This resource references international best practices and tools to help determine which products should be regulated and which approaches to ensuring compliance are most appropriate.

Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC) Services

If construction product assurance is to be dependable and transparent , it is necessary to have a system in place to certify those regulated products for compliance with the regulations through documented, effective TIC Services. This resource offers a guideline for establishing and maintaining competency of a robust system for the testing, inspection and certification system for construction products and systems.

Accreditation

Entities (such as material testing laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection agencies) entrusted with compliance functions should be accredited to the appropriate ISO conformity assessment standard to ensure their impartiality and competence. This resource will help to determine accreditation requirements and to assess the best approach for establishing a system of accreditation.

Protected: 2025 Conference – Webcast – Testing

2024 Conference – App copy

#ICCAC24

Conference App

This year’s ICC Conference App, your source for all schedules and information, is now available!

APPLE APP STORE
iphone, iOS

GOOGLE PLAY
Android

WEB BROWSER
View on the Web

All schedules, information and class materials are only available on the ICC Conference App. It features the conference agenda, code hearings schedule, speakers, session handouts, directory, and event details.

Download the App

The App is accessible from all devices: smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops and is available for Apple and Android devices. It’s also available on the web.

Find the App quickly in stores by searching for: iccac24.

You can use the Mobile App to:

Create your own schedule
Search for classes and events
Quickly find event locations
Stay up-to-date with event announcements
Learn about speakers and sponsors
See who else is attending and network
Access speaker presentations and documents
Learn about local hotels, dining and attractions

Protected: G11 – Air Structures and Design Guideline

FDM – Batteries & ESS

Batteries & Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries known for their lightweight and long-lasting properties. They can be found in electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems (ESS), as well as smaller devices including e-bikes, e-scooters, cell phones, computers and hoverboards. Despite their wide range of uses in commercial and residential settings, these technologies present unique safety challenges. 

New innovations and battery chemistries continue to be developed, challenging manufacturers, code officials and consumers to stay up-to-date on operational best practices of the technology.

Learn how codes, standards and guidelines are adapting to support the safe use, manufacture, storage, use and recycling of batteries and ESS, and find key resources to help ensure protection for installers, code officials, system designers, retailers and everyday users.

Battery and ESS Basics: What You Need to Know

From personal electronics to mobility devices, the consumer demand for reliable stored energy is drastically increasing. These needs are further increased by the desire for more clean energy in the automotive sector as well as the growing demand for improvements to our utility systems and the need for more stored energy.

As the development, manufacture and use of these batteries increases, attention to the storage, handling, disposal and recycling of new and aged battery units is crucial to ensure health and safety in the built environment and develop future code considerations that address battery chemistries and technologies.

To ensure performance, longevity and safety, it’s critical to follow best practices throughout the lifecycle of lithium-ion batteries and ESS.

Failure

Lithium-ion batteries can fail for many reasons including improper manufacturing, damage to the battery and, in some cases, the improper charging of devices.

Lithium-ion battery failure may be caused by either an internal or external condition:

Internal failure is a result of a short circuit within the cell, called thermal runaway.
External failure may be caused by incompatibility between the battery and a connected charger, damage to the battery or exposure to extreme heat or cold.

An ensuing failure causes cell chemical off-gassing, very high temperatures, smoke and fire. When batteries fail there can be little or no early indications. When one cell fails as part of a battery pack, it could create an uncontrolled chain reaction where additional cells are damaged and then have a thermal event of their own. The gas that is produced as part of a thermal event is typically toxic and flammable in most cases.

Manufacturing and Processing

Over the past two decades, battery manufacturing facilities within the built environment have been limited. However, they are now rapidly expanding due to the high demand for batteries in energy storage, electric vehicles and mobility devices.

Best Practices:

Facilities and associated equipment should be regularly maintained and cleaned
Ensure batteries undergo necessary testing to detect defects and thermal instability before distribution
Maintain a quality assurance program to remove weak or defective cells before assembly
Adopt the most current International Codes® (I-Codes) to ensure building and fire safety requirements are met
Develop special emergency procedures for incident management and battery decommissioning as part of the facility’s emergency action plan

Installation and Use

Battery retailers, installers and users of ESS and battery-powered devices can help reduce the risk of a battery fire by following safe practices.

Best Practices:

Look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) mark on battery-powered devices that shows it has been tested to nationally recognized safety standards
Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the use, charging and maintenance of the battery
Installation of ESS should be performed by licensed professionals following local codes, standards and the manufacturer’s instructions
Ensure proper ventilation around the ESS to prevent overheating
Do not attempt to modify or disassembly batteries or ESS
Avoid exposing batteries to high heat, water or physical shock
Use only manufacturer-approved batteries, chargers and cables for your device
Avoid overcharging batteries, unplug the device as soon as it has completed charging
Inspect the battery for any signs of damage, leaking, increased heat or smoking. If you see any signs, immediately stop using the battery and place safely away from other combustibles

Storage

After manufacturing, batteries are stored in preparation for transportation, distribution and use. Safety strategies in storage buildings and areas help reduce the potential fires from expanding.

Best Practices:

Storage facilities must have adequate fire protection systems coverage that is designed to suppress a developing battery fire
Store batteries in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and flammable materials
Storage of batteries that have less than 30 percent state of charge may be considered less volatile

Disposal and Recycling

Replacing a battery when it comes to the end of its lifecycle or becomes damaged includes proper and safe disposal of the old battery. Some disposal and recycling facilities process batteries and extract their components for reuse.

Best Practices:

Never use damaged batteries
Dispose the battery at a certified recycling or disposal center, do not place it in a standard trash container
Be careful of handling damaged batteries after a fire incident as the batteries may cause a secondary fire caused by the damage
Contact your local battery recycling drop-off site to receive easy instructions for disposal

Batteries in Emergency Planning and Response

Many U.S. states and other countries have experienced a significant surge in fires associated with lithium-ion batteries.

The use of lithium-ion batteries as ESS in our homes can create a potential need for early identification in post incident mitigation and evaluation. Containment, collection and disposal of batteries impacted by a disaster, especially involving fire or flood, takes much care and consideration as part of the response and recovery phases of disaster management.

Training emergency responders and managers to stay up to date in codes, regulations and best practices of battery handling is critical to maintain community awareness and safety. This is especially crucial after a disaster when damaged batteries are left in homes and buildings affected by the disaster.

The Code Council’s When Disaster Strikes (WDS) Institute prepares participants to properly evaluate damage through instruction, interactive activities and review of case studies. The goals of the WDS Institute are to increase the number of trained and qualified Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluators and Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Coordinators and to increase awareness regarding when and how to perform Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluations. Learn more here.

Codes and Standards

Adopting and implementing current building codes and standards ensures that lithium-ion batteries and ESS are installed, operated and maintained safely to minimize risks of fire, electrical hazards and system failures.

The International Code Council (ICC), through its membership, code action committees and the code development process, has rapidly developed the I-Codes since the 2015 editions of the International Fire Code® (IFC), International Building Code® (IBC) and International Residential Code® (IRC) to incorporate the evolving and advancing battery chemistries and technologies. These codes and standards incorporate the latest research and best practices, helping protect both occupants and first responders while supporting the safe integration of advanced energy technologies.

Over the past two code development cycles, the collaborative efforts of ICC Code Action Committees and various Code Development Committees have established and enhanced a minimum level of battery safety across the built environment.

This progress is evident in the 2024 suite of I-Codes including the IFC, IBC and IRC as shown in the ESS Development Time frame recap below.

2000-2015

Early Considerations for Battery Storage and Fire Safety

2018

IBC/IFC: Initial Recognition of Lithium-Ion and Emerging Technologies

2018

IBC/IFC: Expansion of Fire Protection Requirements for Energy Storage

2021

IBC/IFC/IRC: Refining ESS Regulations and Integration of Large-Scale Systems

2024

IBC/IFC/IRC: A Comprehensive Framework for ESS in the Built Environment

See Complete Timeline

Resources

The ICC Ad-Hoc Battery and Energy Storage Committee's efforts are documented in this comprehensive report that includes how and where batteries and ESS are used in the built environment, details the committee's code gap analysis approach, highlights areas of focus within future I-Codes, examines professional training and community education needs, and explains necessary public awareness strategies for maintenance and charging of personal mobility devices.

Informational Documents for AHJ Use

ICC Community Development Launches Municity NextGen

Washington D.C. – ICC Community Development, a subsidiary of the International Code Council, has recently launched Municity NextGen. This transformative cloud-based platform is designed to streamline permitting, planning and code enforcement for jurisdictions of all sizes.

Municity NextGen offers a seamless, intuitive experience for staff, contractors and the public. The platform provides configurable workflows based on industry best practices, built-in reporting tools and direct access to the International Codes®. Municipalities can now work smarter and more collaboratively.

“Municity NextGen is a game-changer for local governments,” said Dan Foster, General Manager of ICC Community Development. “We’ve combined decades of industry expertise with modern technology to deliver a solution that’s powerful, flexible and easy to use. From permitting and inspections to code enforcement, Municity NextGen helps communities thrive.”

As part of the Code Council’s broader commitment to advancing digital transformation in the built environment, ICC Community Development is now an integral part of ICC Innovation, the Code Council’s initiative to foster forward-thinking solutions for communities and local governments. Municity NextGen is positioned at the forefront of today’s technology, ensuring jurisdictions have access to tools that are both cutting-edge and future ready.

Learn more about Municity NextGen here.

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About ICC Community Development

ICC Community Development is a member of the International Code Council’s family of solutions and offers software solutions that allow municipalities to streamline their workflows and automate processes. They are a Laserfiche Premier Partner.

Evaluation Reports

Building Safety Regulatory Ecosystem Toolkit

Legislation

Building Code & Standards

Building Department Administration & Enforcement

Licensing & Competency

Plan Review & Permitting

Evaluation Reports

Inspections

Product Compliance

Testing, Inspection & Certification (TIC) Services

Evaluation Reports

Accreditation

Conference App

Download the App

Batteries & Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Battery and ESS Basics: What You Need to Know

Batteries in Emergency Planning and Response

Codes and Standards

2000-2015

2018

2018

2021

2024

Resources