Nicholas L. Montan
Chief Building Offical/Plans Examiner
P: (330) 364-3164 Ext. 603
C: (330) 401-8526
E: nmontan@ecohba.com
Nicholas has been the certified Building Official and Master Plans Examiner since the inception of the building department in 2004. He developed the building department policies, procedures, application forms, and database. He manages three full-time certified staff as well as backup inspectors and plan examiners. He also reports monthly department data to the Ohio Board of Building Standards, ED&FA Board of Directors, and advisory committee. Since 2004 he established sub-building departments in Holmes County and 17 municipalities. ECOBA’s jurisdiction now includes 133,000 residents in 990 square miles, and the department has been responsible for $1.8 billion in Construction Value, 7,800 Applications for Approval, 48,400 Inspections, and $10.3 million in Revenues.
Nicholas is a past president of the Five-County Building Officials Association, 2009 and the Ohio Building Officials Association, 2020, served on the Board of Directors and participates in code development and education through the International Code Council.
Prior to becoming a Code Official, Nicholas obtained a Bachelor of Architecture at Kent State University in 1987 and became a licensed architect in 1991. He has many years of experience in project design, construction and building code compliance.
Robert E. Thompson
Building & Mechanical Inspector
P: (330) 364-3164 Ext. 604
C: (330) 401-8528
E: rthompson@ecohba.com
Bob joined ECOBA in August 2015 after completing Code Council Academy and BBS (Board of Building Standards) certification (#5011). Previously Bob worked over 30 years for MKC Architects in New Philadelphia as Contract Administrator. His certifications include: CSI: CDT (Construction Drawing Technologist) and CCCA (Certified Construction Contract Administrator). Prior to employment at MKC, Bob gained his status as Journeyman Carpenter in the Carpenters Union, Marietta, Ohio. Bob is a member of FBOA and OBOA.
Thomas D. Stephens
Electrical Safety Inspector #5382
P: (330) 364-3164 Ext. 607
C: (330) 418-8318
E: tstephens@ecohba.com
Tom is ECOBA’s full time Electrical Safety Inspector. He is a 1974 graduate of Indian Valley North and a member of IBEW540 from 1978 to present. Tom competed ALBAT Program-Journeyman Lineman, JATC Program-Journeyman Wireman, and State License Fire Alarm Installer certification. He is an active member of IAEI, OBOA and FBOA.
Mary F. Rinella
Permit Technician, ICC 8033381
P: (330) 364-3164 Ext. 609
E: mrinella@ecohba.com
Mary has served as permit technician for ECOBA since 6/26/06, completing her International Code Council certification in 2008. She serves on the Educational Committee with Central Ohio Permit Techs and is a member of FBOA, COCOA and OBOA. Mary has been a member of the Board of Trustees for Tuscarawas Philharmonic since 2007.