Kern Award Winner Mike Webb: Professionalism Is a Lifelong Journey

“Professionalism is a journey that never ends,” says Mike Webb, CAM. “It’s a quality that’s hard to quantify.”

After more than 30 years leading the aviation maintenance department for The Williams Companies, Inc. – and almost 43 years with the company – Webb well understands the constant quest for the ultimate in safety and professionalism. As such, it’s no surprise that he is a 2021 recipient of NBAA’s Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award, as well as other accolades over the years.

At its peak, the Williams Companies aviation department had 10 aircraft at four locations, and Webb has also been responsible for oversight of contract rotary-wing operations.

“No day has ever been the same for me,” says Webb. “But my greatest satisfaction has been to help people along.”

Not only is Webb himself a certified aviation manager and avid participant in many industry programs and committees, but he encourages his staff to do the same. Sometimes, they will take classes together.

“I make a conscious effort to mentor them and make sure they continue to grow,” he says. “It’s important that I model the behavior, because ‘just culture’ works both up and down.” Webb says he was the recipient of beneficial mentoring as well.

Webb was fascinated by airplanes from an early age and worked at the flight school where he got his private pilot certificate at age 17. A keen interest in the mechanical side of aviation led to a degree from Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, OK, and his career has been in business aviation maintenance ever since.

Although aircraft and their maintenance requirements have changed substantially over the years, Webb has stayed ahead of the curve by taking numerous classes and learning how to be a good troubleshooter.

“I like changes and having new tasks to learn,” says Webb. “Continuing education is part of the standard of what we do here. Our policies and procedures have evolved along with the industry.”