VBCOA 2017 Annual Conference
The 88th annual Virginia Building and Code Officials Association conference was held on October 14-17th in Virginia Beach with an attendance of 237, the largest conference in several years. The education program offered a variety of enriching and informative sessions on topics ranging from leadership development to residential elevator inspection as well as the added bonus of a bus trip arranged for members to the Board of Housing meeting in Richmond VA on Monday to participate in and watch the final approval of the 2015 Virginia Codes. Other educational highlights included a presentation by the host of the popular television show Hoarders, Matt Paxton, who presented on “understanding hoarding”.
At the General Membership meeting on Monday, October 16, new officers were elected for the upcoming year. Those elected were: Gregg Fields from the city of Alexandria serving as the new president, Pete Mensinger also from Alexandria, moved to first vice president with Jimmy Moss from Grayson County as the second vice president. Joining the board this year as the Sargent of Arms is Matt Westheimer from the city of Williamsburg. The officers were sworn in at Monday evening’s banquet by ICC Board member and DHCD Deputy Director Cindy Davis. During the installation of officers, immediate Past President, David Beahm was presented with a limited edition ICC medallion in recognition of his service as President of VBCOA.
From L to R: David Beahm, Matt Westheimer, Jimmy Moss, Pete Mensinger and Gregg Fields
The keynote speaker for the banquet was Mr. Andy Mueck, Vice President of Operations for the National Industries for the Blind (NIB). Prior to his position at NIB Mr. Mueck served in a number of leadership roles with experience in both strategic and operational levels for both the Defense Department and corporate environments. Of note is that Mr. Mueck was a childhood friend of incoming President Gregg Fields and his keynote speech was organized as a special surprise for him!
The banquet Monday evening culminated with a number of VBCOA members being recognized for their contributions to the industry or the organization.
- Jack A Proctor Meritorious Service Award – was awarded to Richard Bartell, former Building Official from Hanover County
- Public Service Award – was awarded to former VBCOA Executive Director Mary Jo Fields;
- Citizen’s Award – was awarded to Matt Paxton, entrepreneur, owner of Legacy Navigators, Inc and host of Hoarders
- President’s Award – was awarded to Mike Eutsey from Hanover County.
Congratulations to the new officers, the award recipients and to VBCOA for a successful conference!