International Code Council Honors Building Safety Professionals with 2025 Awards
Distinguished individuals and organizations were recognized for their exemplary service to their communities and the building safety industry.
During the International Code Council’s 2025 Annual Conference in Cleveland, OH, individuals, chapters and organizations were honored for their accomplishments and service to their communities, the building safety industry and the Code Council.
The Following Awards were Presented During the Code Council’s 2025 Annual Conference:
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 promotes 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 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 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 Following Code Council Award Recipients Will Be Honored With Their Awards Outside of the 2025 Annual Conference:
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 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 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.
The Code Council congratulates all the 2025 award winners.
To learn more about the Code Council’s awards, visit here.
About the Author
The International Code Council is a nonprofit association that provides a wide range of building safety solutions, including product evaluation, accreditation, certification, codification and training. It develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.
