1. Have a longstanding promotion of the science and art of plumbing and the promotion of persons responsible for the interpretation of plumbing and mechanical laws.
   
   
2. Continuously strive for both the advancement and adoption of the Uniform Codes around the world.
   
   
3. Champion legislation improving existing plumbing and mechanical laws and regulations in order to improve the health and welfare of communities throughout the world.
   
   
4. Display a lifelong promotion of goodwill within the plumbing industry.
   
   
5. Are responsible for the education of the public in the value and need for approved plumbing and mechanical standards; improve the stature of the plumbing industry throughout society.
   
   
6. Are responsible for fostering cooperation between plumbers, mechanical contractors, governmental officials, builders, and contractors involved in the installation and operation of plumbing and mechanical equipment.

Phil Ribbs
CITY OF SAN JOSE CHIEF PLUMBING, MECHANICAL AND ELETRICAL INSPECTOR (RETIRED)

In the 99-year history of our esteemed association, only a rare few individuals have transcended membership to become part of the very identity of the organization. Phil Ribbs is one such individual. He is not just a name on a roster or a familiar face at conferences. He is truly an institution within IAPMO — a symbol of our past, our present, and our continuing legacy.

When someone has been active in IAPMO for more than half of the organization’s existence — that’s right, he’s been a member for 51 years; when they’ve helped shape not just policies, but people; when their voice has guided the development of codes and standards across decades, you realize you’re not just recognizing a member; you’re honoring a movement he’s helped build.

Ribbs began his career in public service in 1974 as a plumbing and mechanical inspector with the City of San Jose. Over the years, his role grew, rising to chief plumbing, mechanical, and electrical inspector, managing a staff of 188 and a $23 million annual budget.

He turned his expertise into leadership, within both his city and IAPMO.

During his five decades of membership, Ribbs has served on IAPMO’s Board of Directors, including as vice president, the IAPMO Standards Council, both the Plumbing and Mechanical technical committees, the Career Services committee, the Education and Training committee and chaired numerous tasks groups. And he’s been a fixture on our conference Nominations Committees for as long as anyone can remember.

He has also held every officer position within IAPMO’s Central California Chapter. Beyond committees and codes, Ribbs’ impact is deeply personal. 

He has taught plumbing code at Local 393 for more than 30 years and introduced countless professionals to the code change process, serving as a mentor, a motivator, and a connector.

As you might guess given his tenure and dedication, he’s no stranger to IAPMO awards. He was named Government Person of the Year in 2004 and was a member of the inaugural class of IAPMO Fellows in 2022.

Perhaps he’s best described in the words of his colleagues. Bob Adler said, “To this day, he remains a leader in the plumbing community. His name is synonymous with good codes.”

And Sarah Aguilar praised him by saying, “He helped me — and so many others — understand how to make a difference in the code development process.”

In honor of his five decades (and counting) of dedication, service and leadership that have undeniably helped shape this association and the industry we serve, IAPMO is pleased to present Phil Ribbs with the 2025 George Kauffman Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Well, this really catches me by surprise,” Ribbs said. “I had no idea. And I was told to keep it short, so to my IAPMO family, because you are my family, thank you.”