Matthew Shanks Email & Phone Number

Maryland, United States

Assist design professionals in developing a design that is compliant with various building, fire, and life safety codes.Project manager and primary point of contact for code consulting projects spanning a variety of facilities and project types.Attends meetings with clients to answer code questions and provide advice on compliance solutions.Provides written email responses to client questions.Performs QA/QC of the engineering team reviews of architectural plans for compliance with the fire protection and life safety requirements of the IBC/NFPA 101, to ensure a consistent high-level of service across the firm.Prepares code modification requests as needed to facilitate permit approvals.Cultivates long-term client relationships that lead to repeat work for the firm.Prepares proposals for new work opportunities.Oversees the overall progress of projects to meet client expectations and firm financial goals.

The NFPA 37 Technical Committee is the principal consensus body responsible for the development and revision of NFPA 37, Standard on the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines. NFPA 37 establishes criteria for minimizing the hazards of fire related to the installation and operation of stationary combustion engines and stationary gas turbines that are fueled by liquid or gaseous fuels and are used as prime movers for emergency generators, fire pumps, and stand-by and peak power systems.

Wheaton, Md

Responsible for reviewing construction plans, documents, specifications, and calculations for compliance with adopted codes and standards regulating the construction of commercial buildings and structures. Explains technical and procedural requirements to clients, developers, engineers, architects, contractors, the public, and other agencies through meetings and discussions conducted in the office or field.Enforcement of the requirements of ICC International Building Code; NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and other referenced NFPA codes and standards; Maryland Accessibility Code; and other state, county, and federal laws, codes, and regulations relating to commercial buildings and structures. Recommends new adoption of, or changes to existing, standards, codes, regulations, and procedures. Prepares analyses, reports, and correspondences on engineering and technical matters, as well as explaining departmental positions on a variety of issues. Applies effective and clear communication skills both orally and in writing. Ongoing assistance in the implementation of electronic plan review software (ProjectDox) and electronic permit application and processing systems.

Rockville, Md

Served as a County building code official with responsibilities for managing programs involving the interpretation, plan review, inspection, and enforcement of the codes and standards related to building construction, fire prevention and life safety, fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, and accessibility.Responsible for senior management-level work directing a staff of eleven union employees in engineering and plan review activities of the Commercial Building Plan Review Section.Modified existing programs, and creates new programs, in response to changes in federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and program requirements. Developed and disseminated section goals and priorities.Oversaw daily activities ensuring the prevention of fire, and the protection of life and property, through the application and enforcement of Montgomery County’s building code and fire code.Supported building code and fire code enforcement activities; provided technical support related to proper citation of violations; and provided testimony to judicial, quasi-judicial, and administrative bodies when required.Provided advice, guidance, reports, and recommendations developed to elucidate and support department and division programs and regulations.Worked with the Director's Office staff on fiscal, budgetary, and other administrative matters.Met with builders, developers, architects, engineers, elected officials, and community/civic leaders to provide interpretation of regulatory requirements, resolve disputes, and provide necessary liaison between various entities and agencies.Applied County policy and program expectations to administrative processes such as human resource, material resource, and quality management.Managed difficult construction challenges and emergencies.

Annapolis, Md

Responsible for administrative work in directing the construction plan review and inspection operations for the City of Annapolis, with emphasis on building, fire, and trade codes; life safety and fire protection systems; property maintenance; alcoholic beverage control; and zoning inspection operations.Provided administrative direction for the review and evaluation of the inspection services involving all phases of building construction, housing and property maintenance inspection, and zoning enforcement. Recommended policies, developed programs and work objectives, and resolved difficult administrative and technical problems related to building construction, housing inspections, property maintenance issues, and zoning enforcement. Interpreted and explained model building and trade codes, City ordinances and regulations, and manufacturer's requirements to builders, contractors, homeowners, and other interested parties.Provided a buffer between the general public and the departmental Director by exercising independent judgment, and briefing the Director on difficult or sensitive matters requiring Director-level involvement.Scheduled and reviewed the work of twelve subordinate staff, to include six building and trade inspectors, four property maintenance inspectors, the City zoning inspector, and the City plans examiner.Updated and amended City construction codes to adopt the Maryland Building Performance Standards and associated I-Codes, and the Maryland Model Floodplain Management Ordinance. Assisted in the amending of the City's fence, solid waste, and sign ordinances.Redeveloped the inspection process for Alcoholic Beverage Control inspections for establishments and functions requiring an alcoholic beverage license. Functioned within the Annapolis Emergency Operations Center to direct the investigation and evaluation of structures and property damaged during emergency incidents.

Rockville, Md

Performed difficult professional and intermediate administrative work related to the City's plan review and approval process for all construction projects for determining conformance with building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, green construction codes, and fire protection laws, codes, and standards adopted as part of the Rockville City Code. Responsible for the recommendation and development of new regulations for adoption as part of the City code, as well as enforcement and interpretation of existing codes. Managed the permitting and plan review of high profile projects, and assisted in the subsequent inspection process, to support the design and construction teams in achieving their goals and maintaining code compliance. Developed and successfully defended a budget of $875k during a period of deep economic recession, achieving a loss of no funding and no reduction in staffing levels. Instrumental in the development and adoption of the City's building code, fire code, including the new Green Building Regulations. Managed a team of eight individuals that included three building plans examiners, two fire plans examiners, and three permit technicians. Supported the Building, Fire & Life Safety Inspection section staff.Utilized HPO (High Performance Organization) initiatives to increase the efficiency of the plans examiners by 17% and at the same time decreased lost time by 25%. Took a lead role in the development and implementation of several process improvements, such as the update and analysis of the City fee schedule, update of division documents and forms, the reorganization of the division webpage to provide a more useful tool to the customer, and the institution a development review-to-final inspection approach to plans examination.Served as a liaison to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, representing the City of Rockville in all issues related to fire prevention and the fire laws of the State of Maryland.

Rockville, Md

Performed difficult technical and intermediate administrative work using an influential approach in securing and maintaining compliance with ordinances and regulations relating to fire and life safety in new construction and certain existing buildings such as renovated structures and/or licensed facilities within the City. Conducted inspections of facilities and tests of fire protection systems in new construction, renovations, and existing buildings, to ensure compliance with adopted fire and building codes and standards. Performed plan review for compliance with life safety and fire protection system design requirements for new construction and renovations to existing buildings and spaces. Responded to fires at the request of County fire officials for evaluation of fire area code compliance and, when necessary, assisted with fire origin and cause investigation. Attended meetings and provided consultation on a daily basis to public entities and private businesses, other Government agencies, and contractors and architects for the purpose of resolving fire safety issues related to operations and construction.

College Park, Md

Conducted inspections of facilities and operations to determine compliance with fire and building code requirements and regulations. Performed basic review of changes to tenant spaces in existing buildings for compliance with life safety and fire protection system design. Conducted fire origin and cause investigations and collaborated with law enforcement officers during subsequent criminal investigations. Responsible for managing the University's compliance with the State Fire Prevention Code and other applicable fire safety laws and standards. Attended meetings and provided consultation to University departments and staff for the purpose of resolving fire safety issues and providing instruction required to facilitate code compliance. Conducted fire prevention training for University departments.

Miami, Fl

Inspected existing facilities and new operations to determine compliance with adopted fire and building code requirements. Performed basic review of changes to tenant spaces in existing buildings for compliance with life safety and fire protection system design. Maintained the policies, procedures, and guidelines applicable to fire safety on the University premises. Scheduled and facilitated the inspection the fire suppression systems in various campus buildings. Oversaw the policy and code compliance for special events. Attended meetings and provided consultation to University departments and staff for the purpose of resolving fire safety issues and providing instruction required to facilitate code compliance.Conducted fire prevention training for University departments. Conducted accident/injury investigations as needed and participated in the emergency response assignments associated with hurricanes or other natural disasters.

4th Marines, Camp Schwab, OkinawaMarine Corps Communication Electronic Schools (MCCES), MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA

Fire Service Administration

Fire Science Technology

Education record