NNPS Home to National Plant Manager of the Year


Posted: April 22, 2019

Keith Webb, executive director of plant services, has been named the 2019 National Plant Manager of the Year by the National School Plant Management Association (NSPMA).

Webb manages the maintenance, repair, renovation and construction of four million square feet of space, 130 acres of grounds and 75 facilities.

During his tenure, Webb has lead the school division's energy efficiency initiatives. NNPS completed one 12-year energy performance contract and has launched another 15-year contract, which allows the school division to complete many needed capital improvements while lowering energy costs.

"He understands how important it is for every instructional space to be available for use by our students and staff every day and he directs the work of his staff to make that a reality" said Mary Lou Roaseau, Assistant Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools.

Webb has served Newport News Public Schools for 27 years; climbing the ladder from assistant maintenance supervisor to Executive Director of the department. As a result of his leadership, Newport News Public Schools has received many awards and recognitions including: The American School and University Green Cleaning Award., Energy Star Status for several schools, The Virginia School Board Association's Green School Challenge, The Green Award from American School and University Magazine and Healthy Schools Campaign for the best K-12 cleaning program in the nation and the National School Plant Managers Association Facilities Master award.

Webb manages a department of over 300 dedicated employees and shares his expertise with colleagues locally and nationally through Plant Service Manager organizations and other associations. "Mr. Webb continues to work tirelessly for Newport News Public Schools to ensure that they remain in top-notch condition and that they maintain today's standards while facing numerous challenges along the way." said Greg Harrow, President of Virginia School Plant Management Association.

A.K. Ramnarain, Director of Support Services for the Virginia Department of Education, said "He has been an agent for positive change and is always researching new and different ways to manage and provide efficient support to his school division."

American School & University and the National School Plant Management Association (NSPMA) created the National School Plant Manager of the Year award to recognize outstanding achievement and service to the school plant profession, as well as community involvement and dedication to improving the physical environment and promoting its importance to the education process.

Keith Webb (L) pictured at the 2019 National School Plant Management Association Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Keith Webb (L) pictured at the 2019 National School Plant Management Association Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.