In Memoriam: Jon Traw, A Pioneer of the Building Safety Industry

The building safety community mourns the loss of Jon Traw, P.E., a visionary leader whose influence left a lasting impact on the building safety industry.  

A Trusted Voice in the Industry 

As former CEO of the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), a key leader in the formation of the International Code Council (ICC) and President of California-based Traw Associates Consulting, Jon dedicated his life to ensuring the safety of the built environment. 

Jon’s career spanned decades of service, and his rare ability to bridge technical expertise with organizational insight made him a trusted advisor to jurisdictions, industry partners and emerging leaders alike.  

In 1997, Jon facilitated the establishment of the Inter-Jurisdictional Regulatory Collaboration Committee (IRCC), whose purpose is to promote effective international collaboration and best practices in building regulatory systems. He was instrumental in helping the IRCC grow internationally, and currently includes more than 15 entities based in12 countries. 

Whether guiding complex regulatory initiatives or helping agencies navigate long‑term planning, he approached every challenge with clarity, integrity and a deep respect for the professionals doing the work on the ground. 

“Jon was a trusted colleague of mine for many years and someone I deeply respected,” said Dominic Sims, former CEO of the International Code Council. “I frequently turned to Jon throughout my career for advice as a fellow CEO. He was instrumental in creating the International Code Council (ICC) through the merger of BOCA, ICBO, and SBCCI, helping shape the modern building safety industry.” 

A Career Defined by Mentorship 

Among his many contributions, Jon was a proud supporter of Women in Code Enforcement and Development (WICED), an ICC Chapter founded in 2008. He recognized early on the importance of elevating women in the code profession and championed WICED’s mission to create opportunities, mentorship and visibility for women in the industry. His encouragement helped the organization gain momentum at a pivotal time, and his belief in inclusive leadership continues to resonate throughout the community. 

Jon was equally known for his mentorship of building safety professionals. He often reminded both aspiring and seasoned professionals that the most meaningful work comes from passion, not paychecks. He lived by this mindset and encouraged others to pursue paths aligned with their values, curiosity and sense of purpose. 

A Lasting Legacy  

Beyond his titles and achievements, Jon will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his steady mentorship and his unwavering commitment to building safety. His legacy lives on in the codes that protect communities, the professionals he uplifted and the organizations he helped shape. 

ICC extends our deepest condolences to Jon’s family, friends and colleagues. His impact will endure for generations, and his absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of learning from him. 

“While there are times when we think things are impossible to accomplish, with a little bit of vision, mountains can be moved.”  – Jon Traw, ICC’s 30th anniversary documentary.