EH&S Announces Organizational Changes, Retirement of Tom Deckert, and Promotion of Sam Sevor

06/03/2024

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Tom Deckert Retirement

Associate Director of Building Code Tom Deckert announced his retirement. His last day will be Thursday, June 6, 2024. Tom started his career in 1993 as an Architectural Programmer and transitioned into the building code role in 2001 following a state legislature decision that required all educational entities to have a code compliance division. Building FSU's code enforcement practices from the ground up, Tom has been involved with multiple iconic University projects for over 30 years at the helm of Building Code. These projects include eight residence halls, Morcom Aquatics Center, College of Medicine, King Life Sciences, HCB, and the Student Union, to name a few. Tom looks forward to spending time with family, traveling, boating, and improving his golf game in retirement. As he enters his next act, Facilities wishes Tom well, and we thank him for his decades of service!

Building Code Contact Information

With Tom's departure, we assure the FSU community of a seamless transition. Please direct any specific questions to our Building Code Permit Administrator, AmyLynne Boyette Aldredge. During the interim period, Al Smythe and James Melvin from EPCI Code Administration Services will step in to fulfill the role of the Building Code Official. They will oversee the inspection of new builds, additions, repairs, and remodels to ensure compliance with the Florida Building Code and handle all permitting and plan reviews, ensuring that our operations continue without disruption. Environmental Health & Safety’s Building Code Administration team will continue to operate in-house and work concurrently with EPCI.

Further Structural Changes

Fire Code Administration will now operate as an individual unit, reporting directly to Environmental Health & Safety Director Meg Sandy. Fire Safety Coordinator Sam Sevor will step into the role of Manager of Fire Code and Administration. In this capacity, Sam will be the Authority Having jurisdiction (AHJ) on all existing or new construction for fire code decisions. He will serve as the primary liaison between FSU and the state Fire Marshals office and continue to be responsible for managing the fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, trainings, and other duties of the fire shop.

Sam joined Environmental Health & Safety in 2011 as a Fire Technician and advanced to Lead Fire Tech Supervisor, then Fire Safety Coordinator, and into his new role as Manager of Fire Code and Administration. Before joining FSU, Sam worked in the private sector as a foreman for a fire alarm and suppression company and as an electrician. A Wiregrass Georgia Technical College graduate, Sam is certified in fire alarm installation, fire safety inspection, and electrical inspection. Sam notes that the people at Facilities and the relationships he’s gained have been his favorite part of his 13-year career at FSU.