Elaine Gall named university building official
Elaine Gall has been named the university building official at Virginia Tech effective Sept. 10.
In this position, Gall will be responsible for local enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) for construction work on campus, as well as the off-site property owned by the university. The Office of the University Building Official reviews plans for new construction and renovation projects and performs construction inspections required by the VUSBC. In addition, Gall will issue all permits as required by the building code.
The university building official was established in 2010 to improve the university’s ability to successfully manage an aggressive campus building program. Over the next three years, Virginia Tech anticipates spending approximately $600 million on new construction and renovation projects.
Gall most recently served as the university building official at the University of Virginia (UVA), where she was highly regarded for her proactive partnerships with university leaders, construction professionals, and peers statewide.
“Elaine’s proven experience in the university building official role and her extensive understanding of complex state and federal building compliance standards will be a tremendous asset to Virginia Tech," said Christopher H. Kiwus, associate vice president and chief facilities officer. "Her demonstrated commitment as a value-added partner will positively impact the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all university-owned facilities for years to come. We’re thrilled to welcome her back home to Virginia Tech.”
Prior to her service at UVA, Gall held roles as an inspector and eventually regional manager for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, State Fire Marshal’s Office. While there, she directed the fire protection and code consultation program for more than 20 counties and 13 cities in western Virginia.
Gall has held memberships in the International Code Council and the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association. She was a founding board member and vice president of Women in Code Enforcement and Development of Virginia. A member for over 20 years, Gall is the current president of the Virginia Fire Prevention Association. In 2009 she was appointed for a four-year term to the Virginia Fire Services Board by then-Gov. Tim Kaine. She has also served the commonwealth on the Board of Housing and Community Development and the Virginia Fire Services Board Code Committee.
Gall received her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and a master’s degree in engineering with a focus in fire protection from the University of Maryland. She is a registered as a professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and holds a number of certifications in code enforcement, including Certified Building Official and Certified Fire Official.
