Thursday, February 12, 2026

Ceci Muela, Instructor
Monarch Consulting

Ceci Muela is a passionate and visionary leader dedicated to fostering equitable, innovative, and holistic approaches to community development and building safety. As the Deputy Director and Chief Building Official for the City of Oakland, she leverages over 25 years of experience in the building and safety industry to promote thriving, culturally rich communities that are grounded in inclusion, sustainability, and resilience. With strong cultural roots and a deep love for community, she believes in thinking outside the box—embracing creative solutions that balance development with community well-being. She is committed to advancing equitable development practices and fostering collaborative partnerships across local, state, and federal agencies to create safe, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods. A recognized thought leader and industry innovator, she is dedicated to mentoring future leaders, championing diversity, and inspiring positive change in the industry. Ceci Muela goal is to help shape communities where culture, sustainability, and safety intersect to build a better future for all.

Mental Health and Code Enforcement

Mental Health and Code Enforcement/Code Enforcement Field Safety

Code Enforcement Case Management Essential

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

Dennis Kelly, MDEQ Environmental Specialist Team Lead
LEAD BASE PAINT PROGRAM

Sontyna Dixon, MDEQ
Air-Asbestos/Lead Team Specialists

TekConnectGov Presentation

Stephen Horne
TekConnectGov Representative

Friday, February 13, 2026

André Heath is a seasoned learning and development professional and consultant with over 23 years of experience in leadership development and performance improvement. He is recognized for his charismatic public speaking and his ability to design engaging training solutions that reduce employee turnover and enhance workplace culture.

Professional Expertise

His consulting work typically focuses on:

Leadership Development: Designing workshops and e-learning modules to equip leaders with the tools needed for competitive success.
Performance Solutions: Breaking down complex ideas into actionable strategies for public and private sector professionals.
Strategic Initiatives: Drawing on a long-term background in recruitment and retention, notably from his nearly 19-year tenure at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Key Experience

Independent Consulting: Currently serves as an independent contract instructor for Management Concepts, facilitating courses on building teams and breakthrough problem-solving.
Organizational Development: Previously served as an HR Business Partner for Wayne-Sanderson Farms, where he managed large-scale training implementations across multiple states.
Community Leadership: Acted as Director of Connections for West Point Church in Hattiesburg, MS, where he led a 50-person volunteer team and developed comprehensive engagement systems.

André Heath, Instructor
Heath Consulting

Code, Compliance, and Composure - Using Emotional Intelligence to Navigate Conflict, Complaints, and High-Stress Inspections

Triggers, Escalation, Communication, & Boundaries

Mississippi State Board of Contractors

Kate Hilliard, MSBOC
Investigation Team Lead / Outreach Coordinator

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

DiMaya Randle, CFM
Floodplain Management Bureau Coordinator

Thank You to our Sponsor, City of Ridgeland, MS.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire membership of the Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement (MACE), we wish to extend our profound gratitude to the City of Ridgeland, Mississippi, for serving as the host city for our 2026 Winter Conference.

The success of this year’s gathering was made possible by the exceptional hospitality and support provided by the city’s leadership and staff. We specifically thank Mayor Gene McGee and the local departments for their dedication to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for our professionals to gather, learn, and collaborate.

The facilities and local amenities in Ridgeland provided the perfect backdrop for our educational sessions and professional networking. As we work to elevate the code enforcement profession and ensure the safety and welfare of residents across Mississippi, partnerships with forward-thinking cities like Ridgeland are invaluable.

We leave this conference inspired by the community spirit of Ridgeland and look forward to continued partnership in our shared mission of building safer, stronger communities.

With sincere gratitude,

The MACE Board of Directors
Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement