The International Code Council announced that Lesley Garland joined the Government Relations Department as vice president of state and local relations. As part of her responsibilities, Garland will help develop and manage government engagement and strategic alliances and will assist in advancing ongoing U.S. national initiatives that support the adoption and use of the highest quality codes, standards, products and services of the Code Council and its family of solutions.

“The Government Relations Department plays an important role in educating policymakers and civic leaders about the importance of building codes and safety. Our government relations team is paramount in strengthening relationships and alliances at all levels of government,” said Code Council CEO Dominic Sims, CBO. “Lesley’s insight will greatly benefit our legislative and regulatory efforts and engagement and provide a strong voice for the Code Council.”

Garland brings more than 16 years of experience in state and local government affairs and nearly a decade of knowledge and expertise in communications. Prior to joining the Code Council, she served in leadership positions in trade associations, in senior marketing and communications roles, and as a reporter for a local paper.

“Throughout my career, I have admired the Code Council’s hard work to make our homes and communities safe, resilient and affordable,” Garland said. “It is an honor to join the government relations team and work with the Code Council’s members and partners.”