ICC Region VIII Board President Jeff Canon Leads Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts in Tennessee

Last October, Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented flooding in the area located east of Knoxville, TN, south of Lexington, KY, and north of Asheville, NC, impacting over 6,000 residents.  

As Johnson City’s Chief Building Official, ICC Region VIII Board President Jeff Canon was part of the damage assessment team for the Washington County Emergency Management Agency. 

“I saw our area’s widespread devastation first-hand and spoke with many flood victims. Even though my family and I weren’t impacted, I felt the full weight of my neighbors’ heartbreak and loss,” said Canon. “So, when the opportunity to help my church emerged, I felt called to join the relief effort.” 

Filling a Need for the Local Community

Canon now works as the Disaster Recovery Construction Coordinator for Evergreen Church in Ervin, TN.   

“Our church became increasingly involved in our area’s relief efforts,” said Evergreen Church Pastor Noah Taylor. “First, we became a designated drop-off site for relief supplies, which also required a strategic plan for material distribution. Community members could request help, volunteer or donate via the online portal we created. We discovered that, in addition to goods, our neighbors would also need housing.”  

A casual conversation with another disaster relief worker made the connection.  

“They asked, ‘Doesn’t Jeff Canon go to your church?’ and I said, ‘Yes, why?’” said Taylor. “He possessed all the skills that we needed as well as a heart for people, which is essential for this type of work. It’s amazing how Jeff’s exact experience and skill set was just what our region needed following this disaster.”  

Canon has helped countless people in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and now leads the charge to move people back into permanent homes.  

“We were engaging in various recovery projects, including small repairs, total remodels, property purchases and new-build construction,” Taylor said. “But we realized, although we had a great heart for this, we did not have the ability to fully help these families. We needed code and construction expertise.” 

Chief Building Official Experience Segued into Disaster Relief Leadership

Johnson City Plans Examiner Crystal Lewis worked with Canon for two years when he was Chief Building Official. Following the hurricane, they spent five days together documenting the damage for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  

“Jeff went beyond the call of duty,” Lewis said. “I witnessed him connect with survivors in a profoundly compassionate way, offering gentle words and a sympathetic ear to those in their darkest moments. His ability to extend kindness and hope amidst such devastation was truly inspiring.” 

Canon’s experience includes coordinating with contractors, tradespeople and volunteers throughout the disaster-affected areas of Unicoi and Washington counties. The work includes developing budgets and timelines, preparing, assessing and managing sites, and then gathering equipment and supplies to conduct building, mechanical and plumbing inspections.  

“He’s a resource to this entire region regarding construction and inspections,” Taylor added. “Jeff has enabled us to complete what we never could have done without him.” 

A Career Spanning Decades

Canon’s lengthy and impressive career started in high school, where he had access to vocational training.  

“I quickly determined that I not only enjoyed working in the building trades, but I also understood the techniques required to succeed in the industry,” he said. “With my construction background, I have a special ability to serve those in great need.” 

Canon holds many Code Council certifications and has been a master plumber and regulatory specialist for the last 39 years. His project management experience stems from his time with Johnson City, where he managed the remodel of the historic General Mills property into the corporate office for Summers-Taylor, and contributed to West Market Street’s 60-acre revitalization project, a collaboration between the city and East Tennessee State University to create an “innovation park.” 

He’s also passionate about passing on his construction and code knowledge to the next generation. “When I was a plumber, I was fortunate to have two plumbing inspectors who reviewed my jobs and mentored me,” Canon said. “I knew that if I became a code inspector, I would do the same for others.”  

He notes that his ICC Region VIII membership over the last four years has continuously expanded his knowledge, too.   

“His kindness, patience and deep building code expertise have made him an exceptional leader,” Lewis said. “Jeff is approachable and available to discuss code interpretations and remains a steadfast resource. His selflessness and willingness to share his knowledge has been instrumental to my career.” 

For those who see a college education in their future, Canon encourages pursuing a degree in construction management. 

“If you feel better suited to a specific trade, then focus on classes in that area. Also join as many professional organizations as possible, such as the Code Council, to make new contacts, nurture ongoing work relationships and complete educational opportunities,” said Canon. “For example, Region VIII has quarterly meetings that provide valuable code training.”  

Above all, Canon stresses that humility, integrity and strength of character are essential to be successful in the building safety industry.  

Progressing the Building Safety Industry

The future of the building safety industry is promising for Canon. He’s pleased that building codes and standards are becoming more safety conscious, and that the quality of the work has continued to improve year after year, along with innovations in materials and technologies.  

As he did in Johnson City, Canon wants to continue to provide as many high-quality, safe residential homes to as many people as possible and continue to educate his peers in all aspects of building codes.  

“Jeff has a remarkable ability to balance individual needs with city ordinances and code requirements, prioritizing community safety while remaining sensitive to personal circumstances,” Lewis said. “His compassionate approach to decision-making is both motivating and a model of integrity in public service.” 

Learn more about and get involved with ICC Region VIII (consisting of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee), here.