James Moss named 2021 Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year for leadership, professionalism and dedication

Each year, the International Code Council recognizes peers and colleagues who are a reflection of what the association stands for: dedication to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. The Code Council honored several outstanding individuals and organizations for their accomplishments and contributions to building safety and resiliency in their communities during the 2021 Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award is awarded to an individual whose contributions advance the code enforcement profession and the Code Council’s mission. The individual must demonstrate professional abilities that are an example for all members of the code enforcement profession and advance the cause of safety in the built environment. The award is presented in honor of the founders of the three model code organizations: Albert H. Baum, M.L. Clement and Phil Roberts. This year’s Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award was presented to James S. Moss, CBO, CBMO, project manager for the city of Galax, Virginia, and immediate past president of the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association, during the ICC Connections Gala on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Moss personifies the spirit and essence of the Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award. His lifelong contribution to the building safety and code industry and the International Code Council has helped to advance the built environment. Moss is ubiquitously known in the profession for his integrity, leadership, professionalism and dedication as a code professional throughout his successful career.

Moss immediate past president of the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA). Faced with business closures, stay-at-home orders and limits on the size of public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he facilitated alternate pathways to sustain professional interaction, education and fellowship. He kept members informed with a quarterly newsletter, developed “Final Friday Chats” via video teleconferencing program Zoom, and pushed forward with a virtual mid-year VBCOA conference.

Last year, Moss also looked for ways to celebrate Building Safety Month in his jurisdiction while ensuring everyone’s health and safety. He enlisted a tried-and-true technology that continues to play a central role in the community — radio. Moss teamed up with the two FM radio stations in Galax, Virginia, to produce radio spots on the Building Safety Month weekly themes that aired throughout May as well as a special feature program on building safety. In past years, Moss visited schools to talk to students directly about careers in building safety.

Moss’ nearly two-decade career as a code official has been highlighted by passionate participation in the continuing code development process and in mentoring numerous inspectors and colleagues. His efforts to serve the professional development needs of code officials throughout the Commonwealth have positively left their mark with the building safety industry.

“The job of a building safety professional is hard, and often unnoticed and underappreciated, but it has a powerful impact on the world,” said ICC Awards Committee Chair Shirley Ellis as she presented the award. “I am proud to be standing here this evening with you all to celebrate this remarkable individual.”

James Moss is a respected leader and advocate and the Code Council is grateful for his service to the building and code development community and his support and dedication to the association and its mission. His service personifies the spirit of the Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award as a leader who demonstrates professional abilities that are an example for all members of the code enforcement profession and advance the cause of safety in the built environment.

The International Code Council congratulates James Moss as its 2021 Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year.

View past recipients of the Gerald H. Jones Code Official of the Year Award.