Cindy Davis Looks Back on Impactful Career and Legacy of a Safer State of Virginia

Cindy Davis, CBO, recently retired from the Deputy Director of Building and Fire Regulations position at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, after 12 years of service, and over 35 years of service in the building safety industry.

Throughout her career, Davis made significant contributions to the building safety industry. She served as President of the International Code Council Board of Directors and led numerous initiatives to support professionals in the field.

Davis started her career in 1988 as a part-time secretary for Western Pennsylvania’s Fire Marshal Office. She then became Director of Virginia’s State Building Codes Office, plus a building official and zoning officer for Butler and O’Hara Townships in the Keystone State.

Ultimately, Davis was responsible for developing building, fire and related codes and certifying, training and education for every Commonwealth code official and inspector.

Virginia Emerges as a Leader of Building Safety

Under Davis’ guidance, Virginia has emerged as a leader in ensuring safety and efficiency in residential building practices, particularly in areas prone to hurricanes. In April 2024, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety ranked Virginia as the top state among the 18 most hurricane-prone states for its comprehensive approach to adopting, enforcing, training, educating and licensing contractors in building codes.

Building on this momentum, Virginia received the inaugural award from the Modular Building Institute for having the “Best State Administrative Program for Off-site Construction” in 2023. Notably, Virginia was the first state to incorporate the Code Council’s Standards for Off-site Construction into its regulations.

Additionally, Davis led initiatives to enhance inspector capabilities by providing six-year subscriptions for the Code Council’s Digital Codes Premium to every state jurisdiction inspector.

She also negotiated and implemented a custom online code development system that aligns with Virginia’s regulatory process based on the Code Council’s online code development process.

“Our cdpVA code development process resulted in an open and transparent method for anyone to participate in the process,” said Davis. The initiative received the Virginia Governor’s IT Best Government to Business Award.

Davis’ leadership skills were widely admired within the industry.

“Cindy implements an inclusive, options-oriented and common-sense approach to balancing stakeholder needs and stabilizes contentious issues when they emerge,” Sean Farrell, Director of Regulatory Compliance for the VA Board of House and Community Development said. “Cindy’s depth of code knowledge, thorough understanding of the construction process, and broad perspectives contributed to her ability to lead Virginia into the future. She brought people together to practice the art of compromise and she realized positive outcomes at almost every step.”

Andrew Clark, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Home Builders Association of Virginia Clark concurred.

“Even during the most heated debates, when stakeholders were entrenched in their positions, Cindy remained a steady and calming force, capable of bringing back constructive discussions,” said Clark. “I don’t know many people who can stand in front of a room full of builders, building officials, fire service professionals, energy efficiency groups and more, engaged in heated debate, convinced that their position is the only correct one, and bring them to consensus. Cindy is one of the few who can do that.”

Progress for Women in Code Enforcement and Development

Davis demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in code enforcement and development by establishing the Virginia Chapter of Women in Code Enforcement and Development. This initiative, co-founded with Sandi Morris, Director of the Virginia Building Code Academy, aims to empower and support women professionals in these fields.

“Cindy’s unwavering determination to raise the visibility of women in our profession stands out,” said Morris. “She mentored and supported women to move into leadership positions. She always pushed us to think bigger and better.”

Davis is pleased to leave the profession more diverse than when she started. “Early in my career, I was often the only woman in the room at meetings and events,” said Davis. “That is no longer the case.”

One Great Mentor Inspires Another

Emory Rodgers, a Code Council and industry leader, was a mentor for Davis as she worked with him after moving to Virginia in 2012. In turn, she has mentored many companions throughout the industry.

“I feel extremely indebted to Cindy as a beneficiary of her passion, leadership, authenticity and bravery in all career aspects,” said Farrell. “Her focus on building partnerships and developing meaningful relationships with understanding and trust is a testament to her character.”

Virginia State Building Codes Office Director, Jeff Brown, is also grateful for Davis’ expertise, leadership and dedication.

“I’m thankful for the countless hours that Cindy mentored and guided me during our time together,” he said. “She has worked tirelessly over the last 12 years to make Virginia’s code development process one of the best.”

Clark added that “Cindy has been instrumental in my personal growth and development. Several weeks after I joined the HBAV, Cindy welcomed me and became an impartial resource on all things building code related. I quickly learned that Cindy’s proactive outreach wasn’t just a formality; it’s in her nature.”

Promoting a Culture of Innovation and Growth at the Code Council

Once she started working with the Code Council, Davis served for six years on the Mergers and Acquisitions Committee, where ten new companies were acquired to augment the Code Council family of solutions and to support financial stability.

In addition, she helped approve the opening of the Middle East and North Africa Building Science Advisory Council in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the creation of a benchmarking tool for the National Alliance for National and Community Resilience and the formation of an ad hoc committee to study the feasibility of cross-laminated timber in tall buildings, resulting in important Code Council regulation updates. She also created the first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee.

“During her tenure as president of the Code Council Board of Directors, Cindy had a profound impact on both the Code Council and the building industry. Her efforts in advancing the code development process and her dedication to supporting the next generation of building safety professionals have been invaluable,” said Dominic Sims, Chief Executive Officer of the Code Council. “It has been an honor to work alongside Cindy and witness her remarkable achievements. The industry would not be where it is today without her.”

One of Davis’ proudest career accomplishments was being part of the difficult negotiations that took place when the Building Officials and Code Administrators International, International Conference of Building Officials and Southern Building Code Congress International put aside their differences to form the Code Council in 1994, as well as other intense planning sessions.

The Future of the Building Safety Industry

The building safety industry is continually advancing with the development of new technologies and best practices. Davis is particularly enthusiastic about the increased integration of technology in both the building side and the enforcement/administrative side. “Affordability is a top concern for a large percentage of the population and I think technology will be part of the solution. Already CLT, 3D and off-site modular are starting to address some of the issues, but there is a long way to go. Strong codes do no good if no one can afford the home,” said Davis.

When asked what advice she would give to those interested in a career in building safety, Davis shared, “Stay curious. Technology is changing so rapidly that you must remain open to change and different ways of doing things. And please get involved with your professional organizations. The knowledge and relationships that will result are incredibly valuable…and you will be able to guide the future of the profession.”

A Lasting Impact on Virginia Building Safety

Davis’ career is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to the building safety industry. From her beginnings as a part-time secretary to her pivotal role as the Deputy Director of Building and Fire Regulations at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Davis consistently championed safety, inclusivity and innovation.

“The impact that Cindy has made on the building safety industry over her long career is immeasurable,” said Brown.

Farrell wholeheartedly agrees. “It’s impossible to quantify how fortunate Virginia was to have had Cindy Davis in her role,” he said. “Her commitment to implementing building and fire safety regulations is rare. She has a brilliant, passionate mind and values everyone’s needs. Without her, Virginia would not be a national leader in the code development process. We can see her influence and achievements everywhere.”

Cindy Davis is grateful for and will miss her work family, but “after 36 years, it’s time to step back and let others with newer and fresher perspectives steer the profession,” Davis said. “I’m also looking forward to spending more time with my six grandchildren!”