Volusia County Council unanimously approves promotion of Kerry Leuzinger to building & code admin. director

Photo for Headline Surfer / Kerry Leuzinger, shown above, has climbed the ranks of middle management in Volusia County government. 

By HENRY FREDERICK 
Headline Surfer

DELAND, Fla. -- Volusia County’s chief building official for the last three years has been promoted to building and code administration division director following his confirmation by the Volusia County Council on Tuesday for the position.

After outlining his qualifications, which include more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry, County Manager George Recktenwald told the council that the county is fortunate to have Leuzinger here and ready to step up.

Leuzinger’s replacing Building and Code Administration Director Mike Nelson, who left Friday after a 33-year career with the county.

“He’s done a great job as our chief building official, and I’m happy to bring him here to recommend for your confirmation,” Recktenwald said of Leuzinger, who will be paid a salary of $106,803 annually. 

Leuzinger’s boss, Growth and Resource Management Director Clay Ervin, said Leuzinger brings a lot to the job.

“Kerry is coming to us with a vast amount of experience,” Ervin said.

Leuzinger has been the county’s chief building official since October 2016. Prior to coming to work for the county, he was chief building official for the City of Port Orange and also served as an electrica lnspector and electrical plans examiner for the City of Ormond Beach. 

He's also is a master electrician and a former electrical contractor. He also serves on the state Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board, having been appointed in 2017 by former Gov. Rick Scott.

Leuzinger has been the county’s chief building official since October 2016. Prior to coming to work for the county, he was chief building official for the City of Port Orange and also served as an electrica lnspector and electrical plans examiner for the City of Ormond Beach. He's also is a master electrician and a former electrical contractor. He also serves on the state Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Board, having been appointed in 2017 by former Gov. Rick Scott.

The county’s building and code administration division is tasked with enforcing the Florida building code and applicable county ordinances to ensure that construction in the county’s jurisdiction meets all applicable standards for health and safety.

The division also oversees the permitting review process, investigates complaints of potential county ordinance violations and performs code-related inspections.

As director of the building and code administration division, Leuzinger will supervise functions that include code compliance, the permit center, building code administration, contractor licensing and business process and technology.

“I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving the folks of Volusia County in my new position,” Leuzinger told council members after they unanimously confirmed his promotion in the Frank T. Bruno County Council chambers.

Leuzinger added, “We’ve got a great group of people over there, and we’re just ready to get back to work.”