Gil Estrada, Indio’s chief building official, receives two awards from California Building Officials

INDIO – California Building Officials (CALBO) honored Indio’s Chief Building Official Gil Estrada at its 59th Annual Business Meeting with the 2019-20 Course Development Merit Award, and the 2020-21 Robert Storchheim Educator of the Year Award.

The CALBO Training Institute (CTI) recognizes Estrada’s contributions to CTI’s course development and instructions for Plan Review courses during the 2019 and 2020 CALBO Education Weeks. He continues to receive some of the highest student reviews for his use of hands-on exercises to enhance the student experience and accommodate diverse learning needs, rather than reliance on lecturing as a singular teaching module. Estrada is also a student favorite, as he is consistently available to answer questions and discuss materials outside the classroom.

“Mr. Estrada’s role as an instructor and course developer not only shows his dedication to CALBO membership, but also to the building-safety community,” said CALBO President Shane Diller, City of Elk Grove.  “This ensures that building department staff receive needed professional training to keep our California communities safe. We are honored to recognize Gil with these awards.”

Estrada joined the City of Indio as Chief Building Official in February 2019, and has over 30 years of experience in the public building profession. In addition to supporting the on-going education of individuals involved in the building profession, Gil has also served in several state and local leadership positions.

“Gil is a skilled professional, leader, mentor and consummate professional,” said Kevin Snyder, AICP, Director of Community Development for the City of Indio. “The City is grateful for CALBO’s recognition of his contributions to the building and safety profession and is honored to have Gil as part of Team Indio.”

Recently, Estrada was elected president of the newly reconstituted Coachella Valley Chapter of the International Code Council. Gil was instrumental in getting this chapter restated to provide local resources, training and information to building industry professionals.   As Indio’s Chief Building Official, Estrada enforces building codes, administers building safety programs and procedures, manages building permit review and approval, and was most recently assigned the role of ADA Coordinator.

 

Image Sources

  • Gil Estrada: City of Indio