FARMINGTON — Kathryn A. Foster, University of Maine at Farmington president, recently announced the appointment of Jeffrey McKay as the new director of facilities management for UMF.

McKay is responsible for the university’s overall facilities operation and its interface with the campus and the general public.

Working with faculty, staff, students and multiple constituencies on and off campus, he will ensure a high-quality, sustainable physical plant and oversee all facilities personnel, strategic and financial planning, construction management, grounds maintenance, housekeeping and utilities operations.

A leader in the higher education facilities management field, McKay comes to UMF from the University of Southern Maine. He served with its facilities services for the past eight years, most recently as assistant director for maintenance and operations.  Prior to that, he operated a successful residential and commercial landscaping business in southern Maine and worked in a high-level supervisory position with Maine State Parks.

“We feel very fortunate to have Jeff at the helm of UMF’s campus facilities,” Foster said. “His professional knowledge, practical experience and leadership skills will help shape our campus as we continue to strive to provide our students with the most effective and environmentally sustainable educational setting.”

Throughout his career, McKay has provided oversight and leadership in construction management, operations and maintenance, grounds and custodial operations and other related services. He has held or currently holds licenses or certificates in arboriculture, boiler operations and composting, as well as American Institute of Architects contract documents and the American Plant Association Institute for Facilities Management. He is also a board member of the Northern New England chapter of the American Physical Plant Association.

“College facilities today are more than just buildings; they surround students with a learning environment that impacts the way they think about the world,” McKay said. “I am excited to be a part of UMF’s vision for its campus, and look forward to working with a great team.”

McKay received a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies from the University of Maine at Machias.

He has recently completed a graduate certificate in community planning and development and has been accepted in a Massachusetts Maritime Academy program, where he will earn a master’s degree in facilities management.