Marc Levitan and Long Phan Honored at the 23rd Annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals Ceremony

On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the 23rd annual Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies) ceremony took place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.  

The Sammies honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the American public through their dedication, innovation and leadership in government service. This award is a symbol of excellence and a testament to the lasting impact that dedicated professionals can have on communities. 

This year, two recipients who have had a profound impact on the building safety industry and the International Code Council were Marc Levitan and Long Phan. Levitan and Phan were recognized for their exceptional work in advancing building codes, standards and public safety initiatives that have made meaningful contributions to the nation’s resilience against natural disasters like tornados. 

The Code Council proudly backed their nomination for the Service to America Medals, recognizing the contributions they have had on the building safety industry. 

“They translated important research into practical engineering terms that the average practitioner could use to design and build safer buildings,” said Dominic Sims, CEO of the Code Council.   

Photo Credit: Joshua Roberts for the Partnership for Public Service

Honoring Industry Leaders

Marc Levitan, a leader at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has been instrumental in improving building safety and hazard mitigation. His work has significantly influenced the development of building codes and standards that reduce the risks of damage caused by tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme weather events. Through his expertise, Levitan has directly shaped the Code Council’s codes, ensuring that they reflect the latest research and best practices for protecting lives and property.

Long Phan, also with NIST, has been a pivotal in advancing research in structural engineering and the safety of buildings in seismic zones. His work has provided valuable data and insights that have led to improvements in building design and construction practices, particularly in areas prone to earthquakes. The integration of Phan’s research into the International Codes® (I-Codes) has enhanced the safety and resilience of structures across the globe.

To read more about their contributions to the built environment, click here.