John “JC” Hudgison Receives 2022 Emory R. Rodgers Leadership in Building Safety Fellowship

Emory R. Rodgers was a leader in the building safety industry who devoted himself to the creation and development of the International Codes® and to the education and preparation of the next generation of building safety professionals. To honor this legacy, the International Code Council created the Emory R. Rodgers Leadership in Building Safety Fellowship. 

This Fellowship is awarded annually to a building safety professional who has embarked on an executive-level career path and wants to further develop leadership skills through an eligible executive development program.

John “JC” Hudgison was awarded the 2022 Fellowship during the Code Council’s 2023 Spring Interchange event in Tampa, Florida.

“To be recognized as this year’s recipient is a major honor,” said Hudgison. “I never met Emory, but hearing about him and learning about this Fellowship underscores his dedication to building safety leadership, as well as his desire to protect people within the built environment. A commitment to building safety is my personal obligation, and this Fellowship’s impact is significant.”

Experience as a Building Safety Professional

Hudgison is the Construction Services Manager and Building Official for the City of Tampa. He was recruited in 2020 to Florida’s third-largest city after working in Georgia as a building inspection and code enforcement director. He is currently a member of the American Institute of Architects, Code Council’s Foundation Board, as well as the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF). Hudgison also chairs the Emerging Leaders Membership Council in addition to the International Energy Conservation Code Consensus Committee, which is responsible for the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code®.

“Until I started working for local government, I was not aware of the influence and importance of building officials,” Hudgison said. “The hundreds of decisions made every day affect small businesses, giant corporations and everyone in between.”

In his current role, Hudgison oversees Tampa’s building and site plan reviews, plus the permitting and inspection processes for compliance with building, stormwater, transportation, zoning and landscape codes.

He also develops procedures for the issuance of electrical, plumbing, mechanical and zoning permits and assists the development community with code interpretation resolutions and certificates of occupancy.

“I have more than 15 years of experience in architecture, construction management and building codes,” Hudgison added. “Whether assisting in new home design, program management for a new fire station or permit regulation, I wholeheartedly believe in building safety and protecting people during interactions with a built environment. That commitment to building safety motivates me every day.”

Hudgison received his architectural degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was an architecture intern. His alma mater named him as a Volunteer 40 under 40, recognizing alumni under 40 who have excelled personally and professionally since graduation.

Fellowship Funds to Accelerate Hudgison’s Higher Education Plans

Hudgison plans to use the Fellowship’s funds to complete a master’s degree in public administration at Troy University by the end of 2023.

“I was reminded of past fellowship winner, Andre Jaen, who pursued the same advanced degree,” Hudgison said. “Often, finances come into play with a growing family, along with moving to an area with a higher cost of living. Over the past three years, I have taken classes when I can, but this fellowship will significantly help to accelerate my completion timeline.”

Hudgison asserts that the classes he has already taken have made him a better building official and helped to raise his profession’s profile.

“Ethics in Public Administration made me realize my personal goals and assess the decisions I make every day,” he said. “Organizational Behavior taught me how to handle a large department and how to plan successions to sustain a viable organization. Performance Management provided metrics that I now use in my department to track growth.”

Hudgison’s Keys to Success in the Building Safety Profession

Learning in the building safety industry includes being intuitive and remaining flexible, which is key to code work. Hudgison notes that the incorporation of technology over the recent years has been a major change.

“I am using both digital plan review and virtual inspections with my staff,” he said. “Incorporating these technologies allows building safety officials to be more efficient and to do more with less, as local government employees know well.”

Mentors have been vital to Hudgison’s success as well as collaborations in the construction and design industries. “People see the potential in me and continue to help make me the best safety professional I can be,” he said. “Sometimes, it may be advice I don’t necessarily want to hear, but having an outside interest in my daily work is much appreciated.”

Hudgison also cites several traits that are crucial to finding success as a building safety professional. He knows that communication is key – leaders must be able to explain the codes and their implementation to internal staff for consistency, and to external constituents in the design community to be successful.

He shares that empathy is required as well. “Understanding everyone’s point of view will sometimes show a path to resolution, and foster an environment that is collaborative, not adversarial,” he said.

Lifelong learning is essential, Hudgison reiterates. “I know building safety professionals are required to take regular continuing education units, but there is a difference between just taking classes and thoughtfully implementing what you have learned in your everyday role.”

He also advises not to forget about the soft skills, the social and emotional talents that enhance a person’s capacity to get the job done. “Having the technical ability, the knowledge and certifications to earn a job is important,” he said, “but you need that human touch too, in order to progress in this industry.” 

Applications for the 2023 Emory R. Rodgers Leadership in Building Safety Fellowship will be accepted through December 15, 2023. You can apply and learn more, here.