In recognition of Women in Construction Week, WICED of CA welcomes Jera Reidenbach, Building Official for Churchill County, Nevada.
Jera’s career progression (from Permit Technician to Building Inspector to Building Official) reflects steady professional growth within municipal code administration. Her experience illustrates how technical competency, sound judgment, and professional responsibility evolve across roles and directly impact both team performance and public trust.
Together, we will examine the skills, standards, and decision-making considerations that support advancement within the building safety profession. Designed for permit technicians, inspectors, and code officials, this session emphasizes real-world application, cross-role insight, and practical strategies for long-term professional growth within the municipal code framework.
**0.1 CEUs anticipated (pending ICC approval)
Presenters
Richard Torres
WICED CA
Almarosa Vargas
President
Almarosa Vargas has dedicated herself to public service and maintaining high community standards for over 17 years in code enforcement. She began her career as an administrative analyst and has worked tirelessly with innovative problem-solving skills, leading her to become the first woman and Latina to head the Stockton Code Enforcement Division.In addition to her professional success, Almarosa has excelled academically, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration. She is now pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration, focusing on how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize code enforcement.
Almarosa is a shining example of perseverance, the value of education, and the importance of diversity in leadership. She is using these skills to assist in the formation of this chapter. As she continues to push boundaries in code enforcement, Almarosa serves as an inspiration to others and a strong advocate for her community.
Elisa Vargas
Secretary
Elisa Vargas, Palo Alto's Code Enforcement Supervisor and Building Inspector, embodies the fusion of humanities and technical expertise in public safety. A UC Berkeley English graduate, Elisa discovered her passion for building safety through volunteer work across California cities. Her journey led to ICC Residential Inspector and CACEO Certified Code Enforcement Officer (CCEO) certifications, specializing in hoarding abatement.
Fluent in Spanish and Greek, Elisa bridges communication gaps in diverse communities. Her career spans roles in various jurisdictions as a code enforcement consultant, culminating in her current leadership position in the City of Palo Alto.
Elisa actively participates in local ICC chapters and advocates for women in the building and safety industry. Her unique path from literature to code enforcement inspires others, demonstrating how diverse backgrounds enhance community well-being. Elisa's commitment to safety, continuous learning, and mentorship makes her a standout figure in building inspection and code enforcement.
Katlin Carey
Vice President
Katlin Carey serves as the Code Compliance Manager for the City of Camarillo and is the incoming President of the Ventura Region Chapter of ICC. In her role with the City of Camarillo, she is dedicated to ensuring that the community adheres to safety and building regulations that protect public health and welfare. With her certifications as a California Code Enforcement Officer and Code Officer Safety Specialist, she is committed to upholding the highest standards in code enforcement.
In her work, Katlin emphasizes the critical intersection of building safety and government affairs, advocating for policies that foster safe and sustainable development. As Incoming President of the ICC Ventura Region Chapter, she collaborates with industry professionals to promote best practices and drive positive change in communities throughout the region.
Katlin believes that effective code enforcement is essential for maintaining the integrity of neighborhoods and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. She welcomes opportunities to connect and discuss the importance of building safety and the vital role of government in our communities.
Annie Swaim
Treasurer
Annie Swaim is a dedicated trailblazer in code enforcement, Annie's 16-year journey in government service exemplifies her unwavering commitment to community betterment. As Stockton's Code Enforcement Supervisor, she brings passion and expertise to every challenge. Annie's diverse background—from law enforcement support to domestic violence advocacy—fuels her holistic approach to public service. She is a graduate of CSU Fresno where she holds a bachelors degree in Criminology-Victimology. Annie is a natural leader and mentor,
Annie excels in program coordination, training, and community outreach. Her involvement with WICED showcases her dedication to advancing women in code enforcement, inspiring the next generation of professionals.
With a sharp mind for interpreting codes and a heart for community improvement, Annie embodies the perfect blend of authority and compassion. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one determined individual can have on their community.
Pete Roque
Pete Roque is currently the Code Enforcement Director for 4LEAF Inc. Pete has a decade in the Code Enforcement Industry and has served on local, regional, state, and national boards to promote Code Enforcement in the United States. Pete also serves as an adjunct professor at Santiago Canyon College (SCC) in Orange, CA, and Irvine Valley College (IVC) in Irvine, CA. Pete has also taught courses for law enforcement professionals and organizations such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigations, International Code Council (ICC), California League of Cities, California Healthy Housing Coalition, California Association of Code Enforcement Officers, Standards and Codes Academy, and the American Association of Code Enforcement Officers.
Pete currently is on the Board of Directors for the ICC Code Enforcement Chapter of Code Enforcement and the American Association of Code Enforcement.
Karyn Beebe
ICC Government Relations.
Karyn Beebe, PE, LEED AP, is our Regional Manager for ICC Government Relations. She brings 25 years of industry experience and supports adoption and implementation of building codes throughout California, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, and the Mariana Islands.
She is a licensed professional engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional whose path into structural engineering was shaped by a love of architecture and aptitude for math.
Christina Jackson
Jessie Arroyo
Associate Energy Specialist
Jera Reidenbach
Chief Building Official, Churchill County, Nevada
Jera Reidenbach serves as the Building Official for Churchill County, Nevada, where she oversees building safety operations, code compliance, and permitting processes for the jurisdiction. With a career rooted in municipal service, Jera has progressed through multiple roles within the building department, gaining hands-on experience in permit processing, inspections, and code administration.
Jera began her career as a Permit Technician and steadily advanced through the ranks to Building Inspector and ultimately Building Official. Her career path reflects a deep understanding of the building safety profession at every level, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
As a Building Official, Jera is responsible for ensuring that construction within her jurisdiction meets applicable codes and standards while supporting safe, efficient development in her community. She is known for her practical, solutions-oriented approach and her ability to connect technical code requirements to real-world application.
Jera is passionate about professional growth within the industry and is an advocate for creating clear pathways for advancement, particularly for those starting at the permit counter or entering the field. Her experience provides valuable insight into the skills, certifications, and mindset required to grow into leadership roles within building departments.