Lynn: Working Together for the ICC

Echoing the sentiments of Immediate Past President Adolf Zubia, newly elected Board of Directors President Ron Lynn told Annual Conference delegates in Baltimore that members working together across multiple disciplines, issues and locations will be a major factor in how the Code Council succeeds in the future.

"We must acknowledge that we all see the world a little bit differently, and resist the temptation to assume that there's always a right and wrong or a black and white," Lynn said after he was sworn in as the new Board President during the conference's Annual Banquet. "That's hard when you are in the code business, but that's also why our business includes the discretion of the professional.

"Let's exercise our discretion in agreeing to disagree," Lynn continued. "Let's exercise our discretion in seeing how ideas that may work for some of us can form a basis for new relationships and stronger solutions for all of us. And let's exercise our discretion in saying to each other, 'Thank you, I'm glad you're here; I'm glad we're together as the ICC.'"

Although there will be several presidential initiatives in the coming year, Lynn pointed to the Council's growing involvement in green and sustainable building as a key for success. "I will continue the tradition of pushing ahead on ways to make sure that when we talk about green buildings, we include building safety and the needs of our members in the mix," he said. "We're on a great path thanks to the drafters on the Sustainable Building Technology Committee, and by next March you will see a public draft of the International Green Construction Code that all of you can comment on. I feel strongly that it is better to have everyone inside the tent rather than outside, so I invite everyone to roll up their sleeves and participate in making this code compatible, enforceable, adaptable and effective."

Lynn also encouraged members to take advantage of the latest technological advancements the Code Council has implemented, including the new user-friendly website and online capabilities such as training, membership and certification renewals, easy access to the I-Codes, and even reading the Building Safety Journal. "I'm of a generation that doesn't necessarily like to move into the world of web usage, but it's time for all of us to get on board and learn how these tools can be our friends," Lynn said. "Try using eCodes to scan all of the I-Codes, and sign up for new online training courses. You'll save time and money."

Lynn said it will also be important to carry on initiatives set forth by previous Board presidents, including revising the code development process. "Here in Baltimore, we are initiating revisions to our code development process which address the concerns many have voiced about its inefficiency and excessive duration," Lynn said. "This will work for many, and for others the changes may not be as obviously helpful. However we will continue to monitor this process and remain open as to how it can be improved upon."

Repeating the need for a united organization, Lynn said it will be important for the building and fire disciplines to enhance their cooperation to help achieve the ultimate goal of building safer communities. "I ask all of you to come together, not just in the national arena but on a local level, to mutually support each other's activities no matter how large or small, whether it be code adoptions, safety programs, or public relations initiatives," he said. "We need to stand unified in this time, for it is only by working together, only by achieving that synergy of life safety professionals, that we are going to be successful in pushing forth the programs that need to come to the forefront to benefit our communities.

"I know it has been difficult evolving from a small organization to a corporate culture," Lynn concluded. "Rest assured we are still an organization that is focused toward its members. It's an absolute necessity that if we are to continue to be a strong voice for the Code Officials in the United States and beyond, and for the interest of public safety in the built environment, we must constantly evolve. And as we grow and we change, let's never forget that we are, indeed, in this together."