Skip to Main Content
Building Safety Journal Logo

Building Safety Journal - International Code Council

Main Menu

Menu

      • June, 2025 Articles
      • May, 2025 Articles
      • April, 2025 Articles
      • March, 2025 Articles
      • February, 2025 Articles
      • January, 2025 Articles
      • 2025 Articles
      • 2024 Articles
      • Deep Dives
      • Member News
      • Personal Perspectives
      • Quick Hits
      • Technical Topics
      • Press Releases
      • Sponsored Content
      • View All
      • Buildings, Construction, Architecture/Design
      • Fire, Wildland-Urban Interface
      • Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Pools/Spas
      • Energy, Solar, Green, Sustainability
      • Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, Resiliency
  • Subscribe
    • ICC Family of Solutions
    • ICCSafe
    • myICC
    • Digital Codes
    • cdpACCESS
    • Store
    • Support

Join today!

Keep up-to-date on crucial industry news, innovative training and expert technical advice with a free subscription to the award-winning Building Safety Journal.

Subscribe

Sign In or Register Here

Provide your email address
Provide your password
Answer the math challenge
Please enter your e-mail address below. We will email you a link to reset your password.
Provide your email address
Answer the math challenge
To complete your registration, please verify your email address.
Answer the math challenge

We have emailed the address you provided. Please click the link in the email to confirm your email address.

Your account has been marked for password reset. Please change your password.
Provide your new password
Verify your new password
Answer the math challenge 6 plus two

Only registered ICC members have access to this article at this time.

Explore all the benefits that ICC Membership has to offer and become a member today to gain access to this exciting content.

If you're already an ICC member Sign In Now.

Can We Help?

  • Reset My Password
  • I Need More Help

Tran Earns Trailblazer Award, Inspires Next Generation of Code Professionals

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.

July 8th, 2025
by Lorelei K. Harloe
  • Personal Perspectives

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.

About the Author
Lorelei K. Harloe
Lorelei K. Harloe is an independent communication partner and writer to national trade associations, primarily in the building, architecture and energy industries. She has held leadership roles with professional groups and is located in the Washington, D.C. area. Her outside interests include hiking, golf, teaching English as a Second Language and other volunteer activities.
Submissions
Check out upcoming BSJ topics and send us articles for consideration:
Or send by email

Want to advertise in the BSJ?
Click Here

Share on Facebook
Facebook
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin

  • 25 24862 MTS CLE BSJ WAD 270X270 FINAL
  • 25 24651 TRN WDS BSJ BSJW WAD 270x270 FINAL a
  • 25 24699 PD TRN SKGA Sub Plan BSJ WAD FINAL 270 x 270 2
  • 24 23932 CORP MEM Online Community 270x270 WAD FINAL 1
  • ICC Updated Ad 270 x 270 px 1
International Code Council
International Code Council
International Code Council
International Code Council

Subscribe to the Building Safety Journal

Subscribe

Connect with Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Instagram

ICC Family of Solutions

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Contact Us
  • Accessibility Policy
PBsNFZABusyjGi1NZj2rTc4i5mqVhrrTy16fFASvs6k=.html