Honoring Dominic Sims: Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

As Dominic Sims leaves this month as CEO of the International Code Council, we celebrate his extraordinary contributions to the organization and to the industry.

Throughout his career, including 14 years as CEO, Dominic has transformed the Code Council into a dynamic family of solutions that extends far beyond its origins as a code-development organization. Under his leadership, the Code Council’s financial stability grew remarkably, with net assets increasing more than fifteenfold, membership expanding by 10 percent, and Code Council chapters growing by 16 percent.

Dominic’s vision has been instrumental in creating safer and more sustainable communities worldwide and he leaves the Code Council well-positioned to advance its mission for years to come.

Here are his parting words to the building safety community.

Dear Code Council Members & Stakeholders, 

Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Code Council has been the greatest honor of my career. Fourteen years have passed in the blink of an eye, and as I reflect on this time, I am profoundly inspired by the incredible accomplishments of our members—both as individuals and as a collective community. 

 The world and our organization have transformed significantly since I first stepped into this role. Yet, one thing has remained steadfast: your unwavering commitment to making communities safer, more accessible and more resilient through the development and implementation of modern building codes and standards. 

 Your efforts have driven groundbreaking advancements in public policy, innovative solutions to complex challenges and the cultivation of a new generation of code professionals. Today, your contributions help protect over two billion lives worldwide. This is a monumental responsibility—one that you have embraced with passion, dedication and purpose every single day. 

Looking back on my tenure, what stands out most is not just the success of our mission, but the remarkable people behind it. Watching so many of you grow into the leaders this industry needs has been the most rewarding part of my journey. 

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the members and stakeholders who have volunteered their time in service of the Code Council mission, including the past and present Officers and Board Members with whom I’ve had the privilege to serve. Your exceptional dedication and leadership have guided our organization through challenges and opportunities alike, always staying true to our mission and values. The countless hours you’ve devoted have been instrumental in establishing the Code Council as a global leader in building safety. 

I also want to thank the Code Council’s industry partners, including the association leaders, standards developers and client manufacturers who have collaborated with us over the years to advance building safety. We have achieved so much together, and I know that there is much more to do.  

Before I step away, I’d like to leave you with a few reflections that have guided me throughout my career. First, never underestimate the power of adaptability. The building safety industry, like the world, is always evolving. Staying open to new ideas and committing to continuous learning not only paves the way for your own success but also motivates those around you to innovate and grow.  

Second, never lose sight of the profound human impact of your work. Codes, standards and safety measures are not merely technical documents—they are vital safeguards that protect families, strengthen communities and create a safer future for generations to come. And finally, strong relationships and partnerships are the foundation of our collective success. By working together, we achieve far more than we ever could alone. These principles have served as my compass, and I hope they continue to guide you as you lead this industry into the future. 

 As I step aside, I am confident in the bright future of the Code Council under the leadership of John Belcik. John’s deep understanding of our mission, coupled with his forward-thinking vision, will ensure the continued success of our organization. I am certain that with John at the wheel, the Code Council will reach new and even greater heights. 

Thank you for making my time here so meaningful. It has been a privilege to serve alongside such a dedicated and inspiring community. I will always look back on these years with deep gratitude and pride. As I transition to the next chapter in my life, you can always find me on LinkedIn or email me at my new address: domsims25@outlook.com. 

Wishing you all continued success and fulfillment in your vital work. 

Warm regards, 

Dom