Construction Educator Jim Ellwood Honored with Virginia Public Safety Award

James “Jim” Ellwood of Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland, was the International Code Council’s Career Development Liaison, responsible for managing the organization’s Safety 2.0 Technical Training Program (TTP). He championed building code knowledge and awareness by promoting public safety, health and welfare related to construction.

His passion for educational advocacy, including encouraging students to seek and train for building construction careers, earned him the Code Council’s 2016 President’s Award for outstanding contribution to the organization’s goals, vision and mission.

After Ellwood’s passing in April of 2023, his family was invited to the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association’s (VBCOA) Annual Banquet held in September to celebrate his life and accomplishments with over 250 VBCOA members and partners.

During the banquet, Past President and Special Projects Manager for Alexandria, Virginia’s Department of Code Administration, Pete Mensinger, CBO, presented the Outstanding Public Service Award to Ellwood’s wife Fran and his daughter Ashley. The plaque was given in special recognition and appreciation for Ellwood’s exceptional service, interest and initiative in promoting students’ education nationwide.

Ellwood Spearheaded Training Programs for the Next Generation of Construction Professionals 

Ellwood’s inexhaustible leadership provided education and achievement certificate programs for students in high schools, technical training programs and community colleges across Virginia. 

“Jim was a visionary,” Mensinger said. “He was an engaging leader, a mentor, and a friend. He made a huge impact on people, especially the students whom he inspired.”

During the banquet presentation, Mensinger recalled working with Ellwood in 2014, at the behest of former VBCOA president Sean Ferrell. Mensinger said that “a dedicated and passionate Maryland man met me in Richmond. He was seeking approval from the Virginia Department of Education for a certification of achievement program for building trade students and high school architecture programs throughout the Commonwealth.”

Within two years, Ellwood and the VBCOA had the program up and running, quickly becoming a national leader in high school technical training as a jump start for those planning on construction industry careers.

At the outset, Ellwood said, “We owe it to our children to do more to help them succeed in the building industry and in their careers.”

Over 26 high schools and community colleges signed up to utilize the program, which has since worked with over 1,480 students and produced 1,841 certificates of achievement. Since the Virginia debut, the TTP has supported curriculum in over 32 schools.

Inspired Through the Habitat for Humanity Mission

“Jim was tireless, frequently driving from near Baltimore, Maryland to all over Virginia, in his support to help educate tomorrow’s building trade leaders,” said Mensinger.

He remembered that Ellwood discovered his passion for helping students after a Habitat for Humanity project in 2009. Ellwood knew that local high school students would be building a home for a needy family, and he was motivated by those kids’ willingness to offer good to their community.

Ellwood met with those students and worked with them on the Habitat home’s plans and permit applications. He taught how necessary the building codes were while completing the house. His first curriculum was developed during that project to help the volunteers learn about building and trade codes.

As Ellwood worked alongside school instructors, he understood the importance of adding code knowledge to student toolboxes, especially for those not interested in pursuing a traditional college path.

Ellwood’s Inspirational and Award-Winning Career

In 2016, the VBCOA received the Code Council’s Chapter Merit Award to recognize commitment to member education, community service and raising the profile of building professionals. 

Many attributed that award to Ellwood’s time, effort and hours making presentations to many schools. For that award, former Code Council President Cash Olszowy said, “The vision and energy behind the high school technical training program can be attributed to many people, but one stands out. Jim Ellwood embodies the spirit and passion of inspiring high school students around the country to join the program. This man is truly inspirational.”

Jim Ellwood had a vision for the next generation of building trades and code compliance professionals. He wrote about the process as well, with topics such as “What Makes a Career and Technical Instructor?”

His loved ones note his use of intelligence, practicality and humor throughout his life, and remembered his favorite quote: “you just gotta be smarter than what you are working with, i.e. a door.”

One of Ellwood’s proudest moments as a mentor was with his beloved granddaughter Piper. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Piper Stoddard College Fund.

Safety 2.0 is the Code Council’s signature initiative to welcome a new generation of members and leaders to the building safety profession. Click here to participate in the valuable Mentor Program and help strengthen the future of construction trades.