Adele Schaffeld Receives 2025 W. Scott Copp Chapter Leadership Award

Scott Copp dedicated his career to advancing building safety at the local, state, regional and national levels. The International Code Council’s (ICC) W. Scott Copp Chapter Leadership Award recognizes ICC Chapter leaders who reflect the organization’s dedication to model codes and standards. These standards guide the design, construction and compliance processes that ensure safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. 

This year’s Copp Award recipient is Adele Schaffeld, a Building Official, Plans Examiner and Inspector for Malheur County in Nyssa, Oregon. In this role, she represents not only Malheur but all of eastern Oregon, which is about 40 percent of the state. Schaffeld has also participated in five ICC chapters across three states, and values participating in code development as an important component of professional development.

“To be from the middle of nowhere, and to be recognized by my peers, brought me to tears,” said Schaffeld. “Because the work we do to shape our community and help our coworkers is not something we do for recognition.” 

Former mentor and Boise Building Official Senior Manager, Jason Blais, said, “Schaffeld has always been highly motivated, driven and goal oriented. She is an innovative thinker who likes to be involved with process improvements and will go above and beyond her typical daily duties for projects like new permit system development and a downtown business program.” 

Early Days in Construction 

Schaffeld’s dad was a millwright who owned an industrial construction company. Given her background in accounting, she assisted him with project estimation and construction management. Schaffeld joined a construction program, in which the class physically constructed a two-story house. She recalled standing on the double top plate, beating trusses into place.  

“My dad, mom and family were more supportive than I ever could have imagined and have always backed what I do,” said Schaffeld. 

In 1999 she took her first building department administration class.  

“That’s when I fell in love with the idea of being able to help people,” said Schaffeld.  

Schaffeld went on to land her first job in Las Vegas, Nevada. Currently, she is enrolled in an electrical residential inspector cross training program with the state of Oregon, on her way to the Master Code Professional designation.  

Satisfaction in Helping People 

In addition to keeping communities safe and sustainable, Schaffeld also feels a responsibility to protect all building safety officials and first responders.  

“When they have to put their lives on the line for our community, I feel that they need to be remembered during a plan review or inspection,” she said. “At that time, it might not seem like a big deal, but safety isn’t necessarily for that first moment but for when there is a potential disaster.” 

Schaffeld takes great satisfaction in helping people keep their business open or build a dream home.  

“I love it when children are around during inspections too,” she said. “I often let them count rebar or help hold measuring tapes. Once, I was working on a partner project with the Education Service District and I was able to review those construction plans for a community college nursing building with area eighth and nineth graders. When we walked outside after looking at the drawings, and then they saw the structure being built, their eyes just lit up!” 

“I also had one little boy co-sign an informal completed inspection card,” Schaffeld added. “When we issued and signed the final certificate of occupancy, that little guy thought that house was his forever. He not only got to help his dad build, but he also became my unofficial inspection assistant.”  

Being a woman in the construction and building safety industry isn’t without its occasional difficulties.  

“What I find most surprising about code official work is the extreme highs and lows,” said Schaffeld. “Some are so thankful for our help, but not everybody likes regulations, especially in rural areas. That I’m also a woman doesn’t make it easy. My children are fifth generation in Malheur County, but I still have people who would rather talk to a man. I find that shocking, but I put my best foot forward and still try to help them.” 

Patience and Communication: Key to Success 

Being patient is one of Schaffeld’s tips for success in the building trades. Remember that even slow projects will eventually be completed.  

She also encourages continuing education.  

“You should be learning your entire career, so if some topic is out of your wheelhouse, don’t be afraid to approach it,” she said.  

Schaffeld gives newcomers grace when they make mistakes because they’re inevitable and needed for growth. “I often share some of my bigger past mistakes so that they don’t follow that path,” she added. 

Good communication skills and empathy are crucial as well.  

“Building officials need to have empathy and compassion for what’s going on,” said Schaffeld. “The worst thing we could say is ‘because it’s in the book.’”  

Professional Accomplishments and Accolades  

Schaffeld is proud to have co-created the Eastern Oregon Building Officials Association. The association held its first meeting in 2019 and received its official ICC chapter status in 2023. 

“This is the first time that rural Oregon has had a seat at the table,” said Schaffeld. “And chapters are our support systems.”  

While serving on an ICC committee, Schaffeld also helped introduce energy code training to Idaho. 

Peers applaud Adele Schaffeld’s blend of education, experience and consensus-building as the perfect mix for building safety positions.  

Ted Zuk, CBO, Development Services Director and Building Official for Jackson County, Oregon, describes Schaffeld as a true leader.  

“She’s the unassuming and humble type who works to get things done,” Zuk said. “She exemplifies the spirit of this award because she truly inspires others to want to be part of something bigger. She motivates with her passion and inclusiveness. It’s obvious how much she cares about building, fire safety and protecting the public.” 

View all 2025 ICC award recipients here.      

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