Acting Building Commissioner City Fitchburg
Professional Profile & Expertise
Felix I. Zemel is a nationally recognized leader in building construction, life safety, and environmental health. He combines nearly two decades of experience in municipal and state government with academic training in engineering, public health, and city planning. He is active with multiple national associations and serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Boston University. He also regularly serves as an expert witness for housing and building construction assessments.
- Areas of Expertise: Building codes / construction; life safety systems; public & environmental health; built environment; affordable housing.
Notable Professional Experience
- Managing Principal, Municipal Code Consulting LLC (2017 – Present)
- Principal, Pracademic Solutions (2014 – Present)
- Adjunct Lecturer in City Planning and Sustainable Development, Boston University (2016 – Present)
- Director of Health, Human Services, and Inspections, City of Methuen MA (2020 – 2022)
- Chief of Building Inspections and Technical Director, Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (2015 – 2017)
- Building Commissioner, Town of Sherborn MA (2014 – 2015)
- Health Agent / Health Administrator, Cohasset Board of Health (2012 – 2014)
- Sanitarian II, Framingham Board of Health (2010 – 2012)
- Leased Housing Inspector, Boston Housing Authority (2006 – 2006, 2007 – 2010)
Education
- Doctor of Public Health, Tufts University School of Medicine (2023)
- Master of Public Health (concentration in Environmental Health), Boston University School of Public Health (2012)
- Master of City Planning, Boston University Metropolitan College (2010)
- BS in Engineering Technology, Wentworth Institute of Technology (2008)
Current Relevant Committee Work (Selected)
- Member, Town of Needham Design Review Board (2023 – Present)
- Member, Town of Needham Commission on Disabilities (2021 – Present)
- Director, MA Federation of Building Officials (2021 – Present)
- Co-chair, ICC Northeast Region 6 Code Development Committee (2019 – 2021)
- Principal / Associate Member, Various National Fire Protection Association Committees (2017 – Present)
- Co-chair, Climate Change Advisory Committee, National Environmental Health Association (2017 – 2021)