In the world of building safety, few professionals embody the full arc of the industry quite like David Spencer. From lining up nails on a subfloor as a child in Washington State to serving as Past President of the International Code Council and now Director of Operations at SafeBuilt, Spencer’s career is a testament to technical mastery, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety.

Built From the Ground Up

David Spencer didn’t enter the building safety profession through a textbook — he entered it through lived experience. Raised in a family construction business, he learned framing, concrete, mechanical systems, and jobsite coordination long before he ever stepped into a building department.

That early immersion gave him a rare advantage: he understands construction from the contractor’s side of the table. He knows the pressures of deadlines, inspections, and financial investment. He has poured concrete, framed walls, and solved field problems firsthand. That foundation would later shape his philosophy as an inspector and leader: code compliance is not about authority — it is about collaboration.

Rather than simply accepting correction notices during his contracting years, Spencer chose to dig deeper. He studied the International Residential Code to understand not just what the rules were, but why they existed. That curiosity ultimately led him into the public sector as a building inspector and code official.

Leadership Within the International Code Council

David Spencer’s commitment to the profession expanded far beyond local government. Through years of volunteer service, committee work, and chapter leadership, he rose through the ranks of the International Code Council, eventually serving as its President and now ICC Past President.

The ICC is one of the most influential building safety organizations in the world, developing model codes that are adopted across the United States and internationally. Spencer’s leadership during his tenure reflected three defining qualities:

1. Global Perspective – He supported international code collaboration efforts, helping expand ICC’s footprint beyond U.S. borders.
2. Emerging Leader Advocacy – He championed the next generation of building safety professionals, recognizing that workforce development is one of the profession’s greatest challenges.
3. Servant Leadership – He consistently emphasized humility and service, reminding peers that building safety professionals “do what we do for the ones we will never meet.”

Under his leadership, ICC continued strengthening relationships with chapters, supporting international partnerships, and advancing conversations around innovation and workforce sustainability.

Director of Operations at SafeBuilt

Today, as Director of Operations at SafeBuilt, Spencer brings his 360-degree experience — contractor, inspector, building official, national leader — into the private sector.

SafeBuilt partners with municipalities across the United States to provide building department services, including inspections, plan review, and community development support. In his role, Spencer oversees multi-state operations, managing teams of inspectors and plans examiners while working directly with jurisdictions to ensure contractual performance, service quality, and operational efficiency.

What sets Spencer apart in this role is perspective. He understands the realities faced by city managers, community development directors, and building officials because he has been in their position. That insight allows him to approach partnerships not as transactions, but as collaborative solutions tailored to each jurisdiction’s needs — whether short-term surge staffing, disaster recovery assistance, or long-term service delivery.

Forward-Thinking Innovation

Spencer is also recognized for embracing innovation while maintaining professional rigor. He supports the strategic use of technology such as remote video inspections and digital plan review tools — not as shortcuts, but as efficiency multipliers when applied thoughtfully.

His approach reflects balance: technology should enhance professional judgment, not replace it. In an era where artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries, Spencer advocates for smart integration while preserving the critical role of experienced code professionals.

Championing the Workforce

One of the defining issues facing building safety is workforce recruitment. Spencer speaks openly about the generational gap and the need to elevate the profile of careers in both the trades and code enforcement.

He recognizes that skilled trades and public sector roles offer strong compensation, meaningful work, and community impact — yet are often underrepresented in traditional career messaging. Through mentorship and leadership initiatives, he continues advocating for pathways that attract and retain talented professionals.

A Leadership Philosophy Rooted in Service

Perhaps the most consistent thread throughout Spencer’s career is mindset. He leads with what he calls a “glad to be here” perspective — a focus on gratitude, collaboration, and shared purpose.

His philosophy is simple but powerful: building safety is not about ego or enforcement for its own sake. It is about helping people achieve their goals safely. Whether working with contractors in the field, mentoring emerging leaders, or partnering with municipalities nationwide, Spencer approaches each role with the same principle — service first.

A Career That Reflects the Profession at Its Best

David Spencer’s professional journey illustrates the evolution of modern building safety leadership. He has moved seamlessly from jobsite to city hall to international boardroom without losing connection to his roots in the trades.

His career stands as an example of what is possible when technical expertise is combined with humility, curiosity, and commitment to community. As Immediate Past President of the International Code Council and Director of Operations at SafeBuilt, Spencer continues shaping the future of building safety — not through authority alone, but through collaboration, innovation, and service.

For professionals in construction, public service, or community development, David Spencer’s career is both inspirational and instructive. It reminds us that the work of building safety is not just regulatory — it is foundational to thriving, resilient communities.