UL Solutions Debuts Code Authority Leadership Awards at NFPA Conference
UL Solutions revealed the winners of the first-ever Code Authority Leadership Awards, which were given out on June 23 at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Conference and Expo in Las Vegas at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay.
By promoting code adoption and enforcement, training the next generation and assisting jurisdictions in addressing emerging technology and changing dangers, the awards program recognizes leaders who improve public safety.
Code authorities play a crucial role in keeping codes up to date amid innovation while ensuring they remain applicable and enforceable as public safety continues to change due to new building techniques, electrification, energy storage and climate resilience requirements. By showcasing demonstrated leadership, fostering cross-jurisdictional mentoring and information transfer and elevating up-and-coming leaders, the awards program helps to influence the future of code development.
“Code authorities help turn safety requirements into real-world protection for communities,” said Alberto Uggetti, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at UL Solutions. “These awards recognize leaders whose expertise and judgment strengthen public safety every day.”
The inaugural UL Solutions Code Authority Leadership Award honorees include:
- Tonya Hoover, retired fire administrator, U.S. Fire Administration, who received the Lifetime Impact on Public Safety Award for sustained leadership and lasting contributions to safety,
- Michael Desrochers, fire marshal, State of Vermont and president, National Association of State Fire Marshals, who received the Excellence in Mentorship and Knowledge Transfer Award for sharing expertise across jurisdictions,
- Tina Parker, provincial fire administrator, Alberta, Canada, who received the Rising Leader in Code Development Award for demonstrating strong early-career leadership and potential.
Through peer recognition of leadership, UL Solutions' ongoing involvement with the coding community is reflected in the honors. The yearly program will continue to recognize leaders who have a significant influence on public safety.
Learn more about the awards here.
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Ryan Baker
Associate Editor
Ryan Baker is a writer and associate editor with prior experiences in online and print production. Ryan is an associate editor for Firehouse with a master's degree in sciences of communication from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He recently completed a year of teaching Intro to Public Speaking at UW-Whitewater, as part of his graduate program. Ryan acquired his bachelor's degree in journalism in 2023 from UW-Whitewater, and operates currently out of Minneapolis, MN. Baker, also writes freelances for the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) in his free time, while also umpiring baseball for various ages across the Twin Cities Metro Area.