Ceci Muela

Interim Deputy Director and Chief Building Official

Ceci Muela is a distinguished industry leader serving as the Interim Deputy Director and Chief Building Official for the City of Oakland. With over 26 years of dedicated experience in the building industry and more than 19 years specializing in code enforcement, Ceci’s expertise and leadership have made her a highly respected figure in her field. Her career encompasses key roles including Director of Code Enforcement Services and Building Official in the private sector, Assistant Chief Building Official for the City of Santa Rosa, Senior Specialty Combination Inspector for Oakland, and various positions such as Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, and Permit Technician across multiple municipalities including Novato, Sonoma County, Rohnert Park, Sausalito, Larkspur, and Union City.

Passionate Educator and Dynamic Speaker

A passionate educator and dynamic speaker, Ceci has over five years of experience as a professional trainer and presenter for the International Code Council (ICC) and continues her educator role with the ICC to date. She pioneered the development of the ICC’s first-ever Code Enforcement Webinar Series and has contributed significantly as an instructor for the ICC’s International Property Maintenance Code Academy. Her leadership extended to serving as Chair of the ICC’s Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where she championed initiatives to foster inclusivity within the industry.

Expert Witness

Recognized as an expert witness in code enforcement matters, Ceci is a sought-after trainer for public and private sector organizations, covering a broad spectrum of topics including housing inspections, officer safety, lead-safe practices, pest management, mold mitigation, legal updates, and leadership development. Her engaging teaching style and extensive knowledge have earned her a reputation as one of the most influential instructors in the nation, with her educational outreach spanning local, county, state, and federal levels.

Ceci actively contributes to industry advancement through having served on the ICC’s IPM/IZC Code Development Committee and has held prominent leadership roles such as Board Director and Education Co-Chair for the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) and assisting with the development of the first-ever County of Maui Code Enforcement Chapter of ICC. Her efforts have laid a strong foundation for California’s code enforcement training and professional development.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ceci enjoys CrossFit, is a passionate reader, hiker, traveler, and explorer of exceptional eateries. She finds inspiration and serenity by the ocean, which she considers her sanctuary. Committed to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders, Ceci dedicates substantial time mentoring new code officers and advocating for women and young professionals in the field. She recently partnered with the ICC to co-locate the Women Leaders in Code Enforcement Symposium with the ICC’s Leadership Academy and has supported and sponsored emerging chapters and initiatives such as the Permit Tech Nation and WICED Day of Service—endeavors close to her heart. Additionally, she served as past president of the Geyserville Planning Committee and actively promotes diversity and community engagement within her local town.

Ceci’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to industry excellence, and dedication to community service continue to inspire professionals and elevate standards across the industry.

Code Enforcement & Building Inspection Training
  • City of Oakland Interim Deputy Director
  • City of Oakland Chief Building Official 
  • City of Santa Rosa Chief Building Official
  • Director of Code Enforcement Services
  • City of Oakland Senior Specialty Combination Inspector
  • Launched Monarch Consulting
  • Permit Technician
  • Code Enforcement Officer
  • Developed ICC first-ever Code Enforcement Webinar Series
  • Education Co-Chair for the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO)
  • Presenter & Educator for the International Code Council (ICC)
  • Served on the ICC’s IPM/IZC Code Development Committee
  • Instructor for the ICC’s International Property Maintenance Code Academy
  • Past President of the Geyserville Planning Committee
  • Mom
  • Cross-Fitter