Ask Me Anything: Your Questions About ICC Chapter Participation and More, Answered

Ann Russo, Executive Director, Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF), joined us on the Code Council’s online member community to answer member-submitted questions.  

From insights on how to run a successful International Code Council (ICC) chapter, to how BOAF makes decisions about events, training and advocacy priorities, here’s a recap of her answers.  

Editor’s Note: Some of the questions and answers have been edited for length. View the original “Ask Me Anything” post in “Talkin’ Shop” in the online member community, here.  

Q&A With Ann Russo 

What is BOAF’s policy for training the Executive Board for their next position? 

Because BOAF maintains a professional business office, many of the operational tasks typical of a local chapter—such as event logistics, member renewals and day-to-day administration—are handled by staff. This allows the Executive Committee to focus its time and energy on strategy, ensuring BOAF remains at the forefront of Florida’s building code enforcement community. 

Officers are elected and installed at the Annual Conference each June, then come together in July for a dedicated Executive Committee orientation. This session provides an opportunity to begin building as a team: officers share their “origin stories,” review the association’s strategic plan and examine current priorities. The orientation also creates space for candid discussion on emerging issues—particularly the many legislative and regulatory challenges that demand BOAF’s attention. 

By starting with shared vision and teamwork, the Executive Committee is equipped to lead effectively throughout the year, keeping BOAF responsive, relevant and proactive on behalf of its members. 

How does BOAF make decisions about events, training and advocacy priorities? 

BOAF uses a consensus model to shape committee feedback on advocacy and code development. Member-led committees bring together diverse perspectives, working toward common positions that reflect the collective expertise of our profession. Once consensus is reached, BOAF speaks with one unified voice to policymakers, regulators and partners. This process strengthens our credibility and ensures broad member support behind every position we take. 

For training, we listen closely to our members and use post-conference surveys to guide new offerings. Much of our curriculum is built around the Florida Building Code, with ICC texts also forming the basis for new courses. We provide webinars several days each week through adjunct instructors, along with self-paced online learning opportunities. 

We also invite members to create and present professional development sessions at the annual conference, the Emerging Tech Event and the Permit Tech Experience. This member-driven approach powers our training, ensuring it is practical, relevant and delivered by the very practitioners who apply the building codes every day. 

What advice would you give to a new ICC member interested in getting involved with a chapter? 

Engage! Show up at local meetings and start building your professional network. More often than not, someone has already faced the same challenges you’re trying to solve and can share their experience. Also, don’t underestimate the value of your own contributions—you have great ideas that others can benefit from. 

What are some important ingredients for running a successful ICC chapter? 

A successful chapter thrives on engagement and consistency. It’s important to create opportunities where every member feels welcome to participate—whether through meetings, training sessions or social events. Strong communication keeps members connected and informed, while a focus on professional development ensures real value for their time.  

Equally important is being open to change and not simply doing things the way they’ve always been done. For example, several years ago, BOAF included ICC Certified Permit Technicians as full, voting members of the association. This recognition led to webinars tailored specifically for this demographic, and last year we launched a two-day event designed for permit technicians and administrative professionals in building departments. We thought maybe 80 people would attend—but we ended up selling out the room at 170 attendees.  

Work with other similar associations. You don’t have to agree with everything to bring value to your members on topics where you do agree. BOAF has partnered with both IAEI-Florida and the Florida Roofing and Sheetmetal Contractors Association (FRSA) to provide training to our members, and we often collaborate with the fire marshals and inspectors, architect associations and engineering associations to further common goals in legislative and code development areas. 

Embracing new ideas and adapting to evolving member needs helps keep a chapter vibrant and forward-looking. And finally, celebrating achievements, both big and small, fosters pride and energy that sustains long-term success. 

How can a chapter ensure transparency and accountability in its operations?  

BOAF’s Board is composed of the Executive Committee—officers elected at our annual business meeting (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer)—plus one director from each local chapter. The Executive Committee meets biweekly via Zoom, and the full Board meets quarterly (or more often if needed). Open communication flows between members, chapter leaders, officers, committee members and BOAF staff. 

When did you first get involved with BOAF? 

I joined BOAF as Executive Director in Nov. 2014. 

What are some ways BOAF has influenced local code adoption or enforcement? 

BOAF plays an active role in code development through its Code Development Committee (CDC). The CDC provides members with a way to submit proposals for inclusion in the Florida Building Code, aligning with the State’s Florida Building Commission workplan. Many of those BOAF members have been selected to serve on the FBC’s technical advisory committees (TAC) where they provide knowledge, experience and influence. During the FBC code cycle, the CDC may meet as often as weekly to ensure timely input and advocacy.  

You see many of those same Florida members and others at the ICC Code Hearings and on ICC Committees. This is a great example of member engagement on committee work that benefits the industry at-large. 

How can members propose new initiatives or topics for chapter meetings? 

We welcome member ideas year-round. Each year, we also open a formal call for speakers and presenters at our major events. Much of the association’s work is driven by member-led committees, which provide feedback on code development, legislative issues and member initiatives. 

When I attended my first BOAF Board meeting in Dec. 2014, the Board launched a member survey to gather feedback concerning expired ICC certificates. That input helped ICC to create a process for reinstating expired certificates—an improvement that extended far beyond Florida. I’m proud that BOAF helped bring about that change. 

What are the benefits of being an active member versus just attending occasional meetings?  

Nothing compares to the energy and learning that happens when members actively engage. You get to share experiences, learn from colleagues and build friendships that often-last decades. The mentorship stories I’ve heard from members are some of the most inspiring. 

What was the first job you ever had? 

As a teenager, I worked in the fried dough room at the New Smyrna Speedway, a half-mile asphalt track near Daytona Beach, FL.  

I’ll go ahead and share what lead me to my current position: 

During college, I took a job with a company that presented two-day Macintosh computer training seminars around the globe and sold VHS training tapes (really dating myself here). 

My first job in association management that prepared me for my role at BOAF was with APCO International, a public safety communications association that trains many of the 9-1-1 operators and call-takers in our cities and counties. I spent the first seven years there in the Training Department working with local 9-1-1 centers and adjunct instructors to set up training events across the country. The next ten years were spent in the Membership Department learning all about the governing documents to run the association, volunteer leadership, Bylaws, chapter components, marketing, communications and more. 

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