The Washington State Building Code Council elected its 2025 leadership on Jan. 24. By a roll‑call vote the council chose Todd Bayruther as council chair and Jay Arnold as vice chair.

Vote and context: Bayruther won the chair contest in a roll‑call tally the meeting recorded as 10–2; council members noted bylaws direction that elections occur at the first regular meeting of the year. After the chair election, Damon Doyle removed his name from consideration and accepted nomination for vice chair; the council elected Jay Arnold as vice chair by roll call.

Membership and reappointments: During the leadership discussion members raised concerns about several council seats that must be reappointed by the governor. Staff said they had been in touch with the governor’s office and expected appointments within statutory timeframes but warned that transition delays could create temporary vacancies. Council rules state that if a chair is not reappointed and vacates their council seat, the vice chair would assume the chair position.

Why it matters: The chair and vice chair set meeting priorities and represent the council to other agencies and the legislature; council members noted the year ahead includes compressed adoption timelines and several off‑cycle petitions that will require attention.

Ending: The newly elected chair said he planned to focus on keeping code adoption work on schedule and convening technical groups as needed.