(Aspen, CO) Two longtime county building officials are trading jobs in a “win win” effort to allow one to semi retire and the other to advance in his career. Building Inspector Brian Pawl has been promoted to Chief Building Official in Pitkin County, a post held for the past several years by Tony Fusaro. Fusaro resigned his top building department position to become a combination Plans Examiner/Building Inspector reducing his work week to three days. A 15 year Pitkin County employee, Fusaro recently expressed interest in part time work after an extended family leave during which Pawl took over his duties as Chief Building Official.
“The time has come in my life at age 67 ½ to start traveling in the `slow lane’ ”, Fusaro said. “Brian did a great job while I was on leave. He’s ready, willing and able to perform in the position. The timing is perfect for both of us.”
Fusaro says one of the highlights of his career was working with innovations on the County’s Energy Code.
Pawl achieved certification as a Master Code Professional in 2008 and is one of only six in Colorado and 550 in the nation to have obtained this high-level certification.
“It took several years, many classes, tests, training and travel to achieve the Master Code Professional level,” Pawl admits. “It has always been my goal to become a chief building official here or wherever I had the opportunity. This career opportunity here allows me to remain close to my family and friends and grow in my profession.”
This is the first so-called “planned succession” agreement in the history of Pitkin County Government.
“We are thrilled to be able to retain the wealth of knowledge and experience that Tony embodies as well as advance a skilled and knowledgeable member of our department,” said Pitkin County Community Development Department Director, Cindy Houben.