Los Angeles, California – April 17, 2025 – California Building Officials (CALBO) proudly announces the election of Mr. Christopher Ochoa, Esq. to the advisory board of the 2025-2026 CALBO Board of Directors.

Mr. Ochoa brings decades of experience in building code advocacy and public policy.  A seasoned legal and policy professional, Mr. Ochoa serves as Senior Counsel for Codes, Regulatory and Legislative Affairs at the California Building Industry Association (CBIA).  In this capacity, Mr. Ochoa places focus on code-related issues including building and fire safety, home hardening, and energy efficiency.  His leadership extends across multiple working groups and committees, including the State Fire Marshal’s Wildfire Mitigation Advisory Committee, the California Building Standards Commission Building & Fire Code Advisory Committee, and multiple appointed posts for the National Association of Home Builders Codes and Standards Subcommittees.  He also serves as a member of the Board for both the California Fire Safe Council and the WUI Fire Institute at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.  

“Chris brings an unparalleled blend of policy insight and a deep understanding of California’s building landscape, “stated Dr. Matthew Wheeler, Executive Director of CALBO. “His dedication to safety in the built environment along with his collaborative spirit makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership team.” 

Prior to joining CBIA, Mr. Ochoa spent over two decades serving as an advocate for building codes and standards and both a contract advocate and a member of the International Code Council (ICC) Government Relations team.  His service has included stints in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento encompassing a wide arena of state and federal affairs.  

Mr. Ochoa holds a Juris Doctor from University of California, Davis School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Los Angeles. 

The CALBO Board of Directors, composed of seven directors and two advisory non-voting councilmembers, plays a vital role in guiding the organization’s mission to advance the professional development of building departments and promote the safety, sustainability, and resilience of California’s built environment. 

For more information about CALBO, please visit www.calbo.org.