Keith Ward, NEFBA’s vice president of training, and longtime chair of the Carpentry Committee, was recognized by the association for his consistent, strong leadership.
On Jan. 16, Ward was given NEFBA’s 2014 Leadership Award.
Ward joins the long list of past NEFBA presidents, former mayors and individuals instantly recognized as leaders. The first NEFBA leadership award was made in 1981 to former Mayor Jake Godbold.
“We are extremely proud of Keith and congratulate him on this much-deserved recognition,” said Training Director Penelope Geismar. “Keith has not been reluctant to address the challenges our program faced during the economic downturn. He has not hesitated to make difficult decisions. And through all circumstances, he has remained a staunch supporter of the program and its goals.”
Ward came up through the ranks after beginning his career as a carpentry apprentice in 1978. He began work in 1985 at Thomas May Construction Co., where he progressed from supervisor to vice president.
He is now over the day-to-day operations of the company. His early experience as an apprentice gave him a strong appreciation of apprenticeship programs.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have the foundation and the experience of being an apprentice,” Ward said. “And, I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had through the NEFBA Apprenticeship Program to help shape the future. It’s been my pleasure to work alongside staff and volunteers to strengthen the program.”
The Apprenticeship Program congratulates Keith Ward on receiving the 2014 NEFBA Leadership Award.