Panel Discussion – Kentucky Building Code Task Force Update

Subject:

The Kentucky HBC (Housing Building and Construction) division of Building Code Enforcement (BCE) will present on the code review submission process as well as apprise us on the current efforts to update the Kentucky Building Codes. Meeting outline is attached here: 2025.10 Meeting Outline.

Speakers:

Gary Feck – BCE Director:

Gary Feck currently serves as the director of the Division of Building Code Enforcement. Gary joined the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction in 1991 after earning a degree in Architectural Technology from Lexington Community College. Since joining the Department 34 years ago he has held various positions, including plan reviewer, technical advisor, field operations manager, assistant director, and commissioner.

Mandy Hayden – BCE Assistant Director:

Mandy Hayden currently serves as an Assistant Director II in the Division of Building Code Enforcement. Mandy graduated from Lexington Community College in 2002 with an associate’s degree in architectural technology.  Mandy has worked in the private sector in engineering firms drafting record plats, deed research for survey crews, and working with local municipalities on grant funded county-wide projects. Mandy is a level III Certified Building Inspector in the State of Kentucky and has been in the building code enforcement industry for 20 years.  Mandy has served the Division of Building Code Enforcement in other job titles through her career including plan reviewer, field inspector, field supervisor, and field operations manager with Building Code Enforcement.  Mandy has also worked for a local jurisdiction with expanded jurisdiction and has experience with planning and zoning and property maintenance ordinances.

Winnie Blythe – Assistant Director II

Winnie Blythe currently serves as an Assistant Director II in the Division of Building Code Enforcement.  A graduate in Architectural Technology, Winnie began her career in public service as a Building Code Plan Reviewer.  She went on to serve in several leadership roles within the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, including Technical Advisor, Assistant Director, and Master Operations Manager. After nearly two decades of state service, Winnie took on a new challenge as Director of Facility Compliance for Churchill Downs where she played a key role in the design and execution of the Kentucky Derby for five years, ensuring world-class standards in safety and operations. In March of this year, Winnie returned to the Department, excited to rejoin public service.

Mark Hayden – HVAC Director

Mark Hayden currently serves as the director of the Division of HVAC. A native of Fancy Farm, Kentucky, he has been involved in the construction industry in the plumbing and mechanical trades for 38 years, 25 of which have been with the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Prior to serving in his current role, he has held various roles in the department including plumbing inspector, compliance officer, plan reviewer, field supervisor, and field operations manager. Mark is a licensed master and journeyman plumber, journeyman HVAC mechanic and master HVAC contractor, and boiler contractor.

Please come prepared with questions for BCE, as this will be an interactive session.

The panel is co-hosted with the American Society of Plumbing Engineers Kentucky Bluegrass Chapter.