2021 SPeakers/Presenters
Krystal Patterson
Assistant Director/Interim Director of Code Compliance - North Miami , FL Krystal Patterson holds 13-years of accomplished and dedicated enforcement and management expertise through serving as a Code Compliance Interim Director, and Code Compliance Manager and Investigator. Krystal represents vast leadership and cross functional collaboration through directing processes which include both development and implementation to establishing operational functions. Recently Krystal was appointed to 1st Vice President of the local Code Association and participated as a speaker for the American Association of Code Enforcement conference. Krystal demonstrates strong senior-level leadership utilizing human resource initiatives to direct, mentor, train, and evaluate high-performance business professionals and has in-depth business and financial acumen to include implementing legislative municipal policy changes and budget management while implementing current policies established by the City of North Miami. Krystal showcases the ability to handle critical business and operations changes and challenges such as Covid-19, this includes developing and implementing virtual hearing processes. Krystal believes that true leadership is stepping up; "to give-up is nothing more than missed opportunities for professional and personal growth; success happens when one steps out of their comfort zone". Krystal takes pride in the pursuit of positive change and plays an integral role to ensure optimal outcomes and a strong ROI as a senior-level leader. Krystal holds a formal education with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, combined with numerous certifications and continues to take on leadership roles and responsibilities to further advance her career while looking forward to continuing her journey as a pivotal leader and executive professional. |
Kerry Simpson
Director of Code Services - McKinney, TX With over 30 years in Code Enforcement, Kerry lives to raise the profile of the profession. She was the former president of the California of Code Enforcement (CACEO) and testified at the State Capitol for Code Enforcement legislation. When 36 people perished in the Ghost Ship fires in Oakland, Kerry testified at State Senate hearings. She also taught Code Enforcement academies throughout California. Kerry's program in Rancho Cordova, California, won recognition for innovation through CACEO and the Alliance for Innovation. Kerry has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Public Administration. She is also a certified Mediator, Facilitator, and trainer. Currently, Kerry serves as the Director of Code Services for the City of McKinney. Kerry's husband, Carl, is the Director of Code Enforcement for the City of Dallas. They have some fun conversations at the dinner table! |
Elizabeth “Liz” Krzyminski
Senior Housing/Zoning Inspector, Rental Registration/Inspection Auditor Seattle, WA Liz holds degrees from both W. R. Harper College, in Palatine, IL and the University of Washington, Bothell, WA., studying Criminal Justice, Society Ethic & Human Behavior and Education. With over twenty five years’ experience in municipal law enforcement and code enforcement, having proudly served as a Seattle Police Officer, Liz continues to promote professionalism in code enforcement by tapping into her experience serving the residents of the State of Washington, as well as her colleagues throughout the country. Liz is passionate about volunteerism, and serves as the president of the Washington Association of Code Enforcement, which is a Chapter member of the ICC. Liz also serves as the Secretary of the American Association of Code Enforcement. Liz’s passion for volunteerism goes beyond her professional presence, serving a variety of organizations, including: The Soup Ladies & Stew Dudes, The Behind the Badge Foundation, The City of Lake Forest Park Civil Service Commission, the Mother Teresa Guild of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Seattle. Words to live by: “If I can do something to help someone else achieve their goals - that’s when I receive true satisfaction.” |
Joan Kling, MSEL, CCEO, CPC - Eastbay, CA
Joan has more than 35 years of government experience, 30 years in the Code Enforcement field where she worked to keep communities safe, functional and beautiful. Joan has worked for 5 different jurisdictions from the San Diego area to the San Francisco Bay Area. Joan is Certified Code Enforcement Officer, an independent training consultant and certified professional coach. Joan has been training for more than 20 years and coaching for more than 10 year. Joan specializes in promoting peace and communication between individuals, teams and organizations. She excels in teaching self-leadership, team leadership and organizational leadership. Her lifelong mission is to help the next generation of leaders be successful ones .Joan’s passion is to help others find the light within and to give them "permission to let that light shine for all to see". |
Sharon Guidry
Code Enforcement Manager - Santa Monica, CA Sharon Guidry has been the Code Enforcement Manager for the City of Santa Monica, Ca since August 2015 where she plans, directs and manages the staff and operations of the Code Enforcement Division. Prior to assuming the Santa Monica position, Sharon also managed the code enforcement divisions in the cities of Lakewood, CA (2014-2015) and Culver City, CA (2008-2014). She began her code enforcement career in 1994 as a Code Enforcement Officer with the City of Lynwood. During her 27-years in Code Enforcement, Sharon served as the President (1997) and Vice-President (1998) of the California Code Enforcement Corporation (CCEC) before it’s merger with the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO). Sharon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration and she is also a certified code enforcement officer in California. Sharon was instrumental in city of Santa’s Monica’s successful defense of its Short-Term Rental Ordinance brought against the City by AirBNB and HomeAway, Inc. that resulted in a settlement agreement between the City and AirBNB that assists with the enforcement against illegal short-term rental and home-share hosts. She also developed a successful Shared Mobility Enforcement Program for the City of Santa Monica in response to the unannounced launch of Bird Ride, Inc. scooters in the city in September 2017. She is currently serving as the Emergency Operations Section Chief for the City overseeing the enforcement response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharon is the owner of SLG Consultants where she provides expert witness services and administrative and parking citation hearing officer services among other Code Enforcement related services. She is the mother of two and the grandmother of two beautiful granddaughters and a grandson due in April 2021. |
Christylla Miles
Division Manager, Department of Neighborhoods Inspection and Public Service Division - Houston, TX Christylla is manager of the Department of Neighborhoods IPS Division. She is the training development coordinator, community outreach liaison and records management lead. Houston has a population of over 2.5 million people and the City is divided in half - Christylla manages the North half, a huge undertaking. With over 25+ years of experience in the Code Enforcement profession, Christylla’s career in local government really started when she left Texas Department of Criminal Justice in 1996. She became employed as a City of Grand Prairie Senior Municipal Court Clerk managing 4 court clerks and running a bond desk that operated 24/7. Chrystilla transition from Sr. Court Clerk to Code Enforcement Officer and then to Code Enforcement Officer with Peace Officer Certification. Fast-forward to today, Christylla leads her team in Houston, by being an active supportive team member with an open-mind so as to continue her approachable and supportive leader role while utilizing fair and consistent practices amongst her team. Christylla believes that “no one person can do the job alone and her title does not define her”, which is one of the many reasons she introduces herself as a Houston team member. Christylla absolutely loves what she does and states, “ I’ve had some very strong inspirational women to lead and pave the path for me. My job is to pay it forward and share what I’ve learned with others as continued growth and exchange of information is a part of me.” |
Cecilia Muela
Sr. Specialty Combination Inspector- Oakland, CA With over 13+ years focused in the Code Enforcement profession and over 19 years in the building industry in various capacities, Cecilia Muela brings extensive knowledge of the Code Enforcement profession and has been an integral part of the development of training courses for Code officers throughout the state of California and nationwide. Cecilia has served as Co-Chair of Education and Board of Director for her state association in one of the largest regions. Cecilia was integral in the rebirth of the Advanced Module Mobile Academy for her state association and taught the full academy during its early stages as well as continued to train code officers throughout the state of California. She further developed the International Code Council’s (ICC) first Officer Safety Webinar series and has since continued to work diligently with ICC and other groups in the development of training courses directly related to the Code Enforcement profession from inspections/investigative work to officer safety. Additionally, Cecilia is contributor with the Standards and Codes Academy which focuses on enhanced training for regulatory officials of all skill levels nationwide. |
Ana Contreras, Community Preservation Manager, Code Enforcement - Tracy, CA
Ana has served in local government for over 41 years. In her current role as the Community Preservation and Code Enforcement Manager in the City of Tracy, Ana leads all aspects and functions of community preservation and code enforcement with thoughtful and intentional leadership and a commitment to delivering excellence by rethinking and reshaping operations and elevating community partnerships. She is guided by the principles of integrity, equity, engagement, and resiliency, and champions women’s success through sponsorship, support and mentorship. Ana’s vast experience includes housing rehabilitation, first-time homebuyer loan programs, land use and municipal policy development. She is respected in the local government realm for her commitment to delivering life, health and safety services with objectivity, compassion and respect. Ana advocates for an atmosphere of collaboration and innovation, working closely with City employees, public- and private-sector stakeholders, and the broader community with her mantra of “one team, one City, one community”. As a former member of the San Joaquin County Human Trafficking Task force, Ana is passionate about helping all women forge their own path with confidence, authenticity, unapologetically and with grace. Ana’s work experiences have carried over into her personal life, allowing her to transform her professional stories into creative expression as a self-taught mixed media artist. Ana studied at the University of Phoenix. When she is not working or creating, Ana enjoys time with her two-year-old granddaughter, Madison, reading personal development books, meditation, and thrifting. |