Tran Earns Trailblazer Award, Inspires Next Generation of Code Professionals

Van Tran’s dedication to nurturing and developing future code professionals has earned him the International Code Council’s 2024 Trailblazer Award, presented during the Code Council’s 2024 Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif.

“On behalf of the Building Officials Association of Texas (BOAT), my mission is to inspire and equip the next wave of code professionals to embrace their potential and take the industry to new heights,” said Van Tran, CBO, Vice President, Facilities Division, Central & East Region, Bureau Veritas, Plano, Texas.

Presented annually, the Code Council’s Trailblazer Award honors an outstanding example of a mentor or leader who has helped support the next generation of building safety professionals.

Mentoring Matters: Where Passion Meets Purpose

From the classroom and beyond, Tran’s creative and cumulative endeavors continue to educate, inspire and engage emerging code professionals.

His Building Safety Month activities include Code Heroes in Action, a 2016 presentation at Stinson Elementary School, Plano, Texas and a 2020 virtual presentation at Arroyo Vista Elementary School, Capistrano Unified School District during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also created a “Call to Action” training video for Building Safety Month in 2021:

“When we nurture talent and foster empowerment, we create a ripple effect—one professional at a time, transforming how communities approach building safety,” he said. “It’s rewarding to see how these efforts lead to stronger teams, smarter solutions and safer buildings for everyone.”

Tran has played a pivotal role in organizing the annual Career Development Day at the BOAT Annual Conferences, providing opportunities for emerging professionals to engage with industry professionals and gain insights into the field of code enforcement as shown in this video:

“The spark behind programs like Heroes in Action and Career Development Days comes from seeing the incredible possibilities in people,” said Tran “I believe in breaking down barriers and showing that this industry is not just about codes—it’s about people and progress. Creativity thrives where passion meets purpose.”

This year, Tran also developed a Teacher Externship Program with Workforce Solutions and BOAT, a collaboration in which he facilitated onsite training opportunities that bridge the gap between industry practices and classroom teaching.

Impacting the Code Council’s Mission

Currently a member of the Code Council’s 2024 Sustainability Membership Council (SMC), Tran’s diverse contributions continue to propel the Code Council’s mission, positively shape the professional landscape and advance the profession.

“These initiatives fuel the Code Council’s vision by bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the industry,” said Tran “It’s about building not just structures but trust, resilience and a future-ready workforce.”

His roles at the Building Professionals Institute (BPI) include moderating discussions in the Architecture Track and delivering presentations on the International Building Code® and the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Code Officials.

As vice chair and chair of the Code Council Joint Accessibility Inspectors/Plans Examiner Certification Committee, Tran advocates for accessibility and inclusivity in the built environment, influencing industry standards to help ensure code officials are prepared to address accessibility challenges.

“Accessibility isn’t just a checklist,” said Tran. “It’s a calling to create spaces that welcome and empower everyone, regardless of ability. By championing designs that prioritize inclusion, I hope to make the world a little better, one project at a time.”

Tran also serves as program chair of the North Texas Chapter International Code Congress, curating learning opportunities for professionals at all career stages and delivers presentations at the North Texas International Code Congress Permit Tech chapter.

“His tireless efforts to promote education, advocacy and mentorship serve as a testament to his dedication in advancing the Code Council’s mission,” said Selso Mata, AIA, CBO, Chief Building Official, City of Plano, Texas.

Top Insights and Lessons Learned

Reflecting on his journey to date, Tran reflects on his top tips for success:

• Say “Yes” to opportunities—they often lead to the most rewarding journeys 
• Invest in people—relationships and mentorship are the heartbeats of progress 
• Never stop asking, “What’s next?” That curiosity is the key to staying ahead 
• Like the saying goes: Like a circle, the pursuit of “trailblazing” has no end 

Earning national recognition for his contributions is a profound honor.

“This award means everything to me—it’s a testament to the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with,” said Tran “It’s not just my honor; it’s ours as a community of builders, thinkers and innovators.”

To learn more about the Code Council’s annual awards, click here.