[Archived] City of Alexandria Names John Catlett New Code Enforcement Director

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	January 31, 2007 PIO# 027-07/jbh	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA NAMES JOHN CATLETT
NEW CODE ENFORCEMENT DIRECTOR
Current Williamsburg Code Enforcement Chief
Has Led Statewide Building Code Improvement Efforts

Alexandria City Manager James K. Hartmann today announced the appointment of John D. Catlett to be the City’s new Director of Code Enforcement. Catlett, who has directed the City of Williamsburg’s code compliance efforts since 1992, has over twenty years’ experience in the field and has been a leading figure in Virginia’s Building and Code Officials Association.

“I am very pleased that John Catlett will be applying his expertise and experience in the complex building code to work for the City of Alexandria,” said Hartmann. “John has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the statewide building code and how it pertains to new construction,” Hartmann continued. “He also brings a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by a historic community in ensuring its treasured older assets are preserved and kept safe and secure for their owners and the public.”

A recipient of the Virginia Code Officials Association’s 2006 Meritorious Service Award, Catlett has held a variety of offices in that association, including President (2004-2005). In 2006, he chaired the association’s Administrative Code Change Committee, which recommended improvements to Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code.

In Alexandria, Catlett will head one of only two code enforcement offices in Virginia that combines all building inspection functions within the Fire Department. The office has 84 employees and an annual budget of $6.7 million. In Fiscal Year 2006, the code enforcement office conducted over 65,000 new construction inspections, reviewed over 11,000 plans, and issued over 50,000 permits. It also conducted over 24,000 complaint-driven property maintenance inspections and inspected over 7,000 fire protection systems.

“It is a unique honor to be chosen to lead the important code enforcement mission in one of the most historic and dynamic communities in the nation,” said John Catlett. “Alexandria is also one of the most desirable development locations in Virginia and the greater Washington area. Despite the heavy demand, Alexandria code enforcement has earned a first-class reputation for delivering quality service to the public and the community it serves. I look forward to carrying on that tradition.”

“John Catlett comes to Alexandria at a time when we are re-focusing all our departments on managing for results,” said City Manager Hartmann. “Under his leadership, code enforcement will take a fresh look at customer service and continue to strengthen its procedures for working efficiently and effectively with the public and the development community.”

Catlett is currently a Certified Professional Code Administrator, Certified Building Official, and Master Code Professional. Prior to moving to Williamsburg, he held a variety of positions with the City of Winchester, Virginia, where he grew up. He has also worked as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the U.S. Army. A volunteer firefighter in Williamsburg, Catlett has also been an active volunteer for the United Way and other community groups. He succeeds former Code Enforcement Director Art Dahlberg, who resigned last year to become buildings commissioner in Richmond. Catlett is expected to begin work on February 12.

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