James Bell

Background

About James Bell

I am currently the Director of Operations of the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) In my current position I oversee all aspects of running the organization under the direction of the board of directors. I am also to keep abreast of all code changes that affect our industry as well as watching the marketplace for opportunities for shelter additions. I had 44 years experience in the door and hardware business, including 20 years within the ASSA ABLOY Group. Throughout my career, I have worked in the door and hardware industry in South Florida and was president for two terms of the Goldcoast Chapter of the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) when the state moved to strengthen its building codes in response to Hurricane Andrew. I have served as a board member of National Storm Shelter Association and server on many committees. I have 24 years experience working on windstorm codes. I keep abreast of changes in Florida’s hurricane codes by regularly attending meetings of the Florida Building Commission which is charged with building and maintaining the state’s product approval system. I have also worked with the Texas Department of Insurance to help educate the marketplace of that state’s windstorm product approval system. I assisted the Alabama Building Commission roll out it's education following their implementation of the first state law requiring tornado shelters in all new schools in Alabama. I have also worked on the ICC 500 commentary due out in the first quarter of 2016. I am directly involved in the planning, testing, and marketing of all product development for the above mentioned codes and standards for my current company. I am a vocal advocate of instituting strong windstorm codes and consistent product testing requirements in areas of the country prone to hurricanes and tornados.