Role of the Accreditation Chair

The Accreditation Chair for the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO) provides leadership for WABO’s efforts to advance professional development, competency, and recognition for code officials across Washington State. The chair helps guide the Accreditation Committee in supporting programs that strengthen the knowledge, skills, and professional standards of permit technicians, building inspectors, plans examiners, building officials, and other code professionals.

A central responsibility of the role is supporting the development, maintenance, and promotion of WABO’s Accredited Code Official (ACO) program and Code Official Accreditation Program (COAP). This includes helping review and refine program requirements, recommending course curriculum, monitoring program deliverables, supporting instructor and student outreach, and encouraging participation from WABO member jurisdictions.

The chair also serves as an advocate for learning opportunities that improve the effective administration of construction codes. By promoting technical, administrative, and customer service training, the Accreditation Chair helps establish a baseline of professional competency, supports the recruitment and retention of qualified code officials, and reinforces the value of accreditation as a recognized state-level credential.

Through this work, the Accreditation Chair helps WABO promote excellence in building and life safety by developing a stronger, more consistent, and better-prepared code official workforce. The role connects education, credentialing, and professional recognition to WABO’s broader mission of supporting safe buildings and effective code administration in communities throughout Washington.