First Oklahoman honored twice as Code Compliance Officer of the Year
Janita Hatley of the City of Norman’s Planning & Community Development Department has been named the Oklahoma Code Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association (OCEA). Besting seven other nominees, Hatley becomes the first Oklahoman to receive this honor twice – in 2004 and 2022, respectively – and took center stage for the award at the association’s 27th Annual Spring Conference in Oklahoma City.
“Janita is an incredible employee and truly one of the kindest individuals I have had the pleasure to know,” said Jane Hudson, Planning & Community Development Director. “We congratulate her on this monumental achievement and appreciate deeply the hard work and dedication she gives on the job.”
Hatley began her career with the City of Norman in 1992, serving in the Line Maintenance Division and then as a Permit Clerk in Development Services. In 1995, she joined the inspection team as a Code Compliance Inspector where she has worked alongside residents to keep neighborhoods clean and safe. She is responsible for inspecting city hotels, beds & breakfasts, portions of student housing, short term rentals, mobile homes parks, and salvage/impound yards. Hatley holds the state mandated certification for Code Enforcement Officer through OCEA as well as certifications through International Code Council (ICC) and the American Association of Code Enforcement (AACE) as a Zoning Inspector, Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector and Certified Code Enforcement Officer.
In addition to holding multiple positions on the OCEA Board of Directors during her career, she has also been involved in volunteer capacities with AACE and stays active in the Norman community. Hatley’s nomination letter reads that she has never met a stranger and “demonstrates incredible industry in her efforts to improve her workplace, her family and her community.”
“Janita exemplifies the heart of our mission at the City of Norman: Working together to deliver exceptional service,” said City Manager Darrel Pyle. “She coordinates and collaborates with our neighbors each day to solve problems and drive our community forward. Our organization is grateful for her leadership, expertise and commitment to Norman. We couldn’t be more proud of the history she has made.”
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