Program staff members

Training and Outreach Manager
Stephen Simms
503-378-2827

Stephen Simms joined the Building Codes Division as the Training and Outreach Manager in August 2020 after serving as the Administrator of the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Division since 1996. As Apprenticeship Director Stephen promoted and regulated registered apprenticeship in a variety of occupations and trades, with a focus on the building and construction trades. Working with business, labor, government and educational institutions to increase training and employment opportunities in apprentice-able occupations, he has advocated collaborative partnerships between business and government. Stephen holds a BA in Business Administration from Marquette University and a JD from the University of Oregon School of Law.

Training Program Support Coordinator
Dana Fischer
503-373-7974

Dana Fischer has worked in the division since 1998 in a variety of positions, including plan intake for prefab and site-built structures; permit issuance in Salem and at various field offices around the state; and organizing code change and other priority development committees. In late 2012 the Training Program was create and in early 2013 Dana was asked to step in and help with the divisions new course development. She quickly made the career move as a permanent member of the Training Staff. She looks forward to the continued growth of the training program and meeting new students as each new course begins. Helping people fulfill a dream is something Dana enjoys.

Training Administrative Support
Nick Armstrong
503-378-5331

Nick has worked Building Codes since September of 2016. Nick has had the opportunity to work in BCD’s Policy and Fiscal sections before joining the Training Program in the summer of 2020. Nick supported the policy section with code adoption committee facilitation and tracking various policy communications. During Nick’s time with BCD’s fiscal section he helped in the mail room, processing a variety of credit card payment transactions, and various section needs. Nick will be supporting the training program with course tracking including student attendance, exam scores, reviewing course material and other documents, and handling much of the email inquires on how to become and inspector. He is excited to learn more about the Training Program and how to use that knowledge to better serve students and staff.

Electrical Code Specialist, Trainer
Tim Zimmerman
503-899-2177

Tim Zimmerman began his electrical career in 1977 after being accepted into the four year IBEW apprenticeship program. In 1982 Tim opened his own electrical contractor’s business and in 1996 joined BCD team as the Coos County Electrical Inspector. Part of Tim’s career included teaching electrical continuing education classes for 20 years. Tim joined the training team in July 2020 and looks forward sharing his knowledge with those seeking to become residential electrical inspectors.

Plumbing Code Specialist, Trainer
Max Butler
971-375-7033

Max Butler has worked in the plumbing and building industry for over 12 years. He worked as a plumber in the Willamette valley for nearly 8 years with experience in residential, commercial, and industrial installation. He has also served the plumbing community as an apprenticeship instructor and JATC member for Area II. Max joined BCD’s training program in early 2019 as the Plumbing Code Specialist and Trainer. "I have always looked up to inspectors, and now I can be a part of what makes ours the best around." Max brings a new perspective to the next generation of Oregon plumbing inspectors and is glad to be a part of BCD.

Structural Code Specialist, Trainer
Kevin Ellis
971-375-7363

Kevin Ellis grew up in Los Angeles and worked as a framer and finish carpenter for residential, commercial and TV/movie set construction for 15 years. He hung up his bags in 2005 to begin studying to become a building inspector. Since 2006 Kevin has worked as a Permit Technician, Building Inspector, and Senior Building Plans Examiner. He covered all facets and disciplines of building inspection and plan check, and also shared in the responsibility of training new plan check staff. Kevin joined the division in early 2019 as Structural Code Specialist, but quickly moved over to the training program as the structural trainer. "I am excited to have the opportunity to share my construction, inspection and plan check experience and knowledge with the next generation of inspectors and plans examiners through the BCD Academy and other trainings offered by the BCD Training Program."