Shepherd Center's Engineering Director Shares His Mission

William Davidson

Years at Shepherd: 5
Training: Black Belt Certificate Program, Mercer University
Fun Facts:
■ William is a self-taught drummer — he showed off his skills at last year’s Shepherd’s Got Talent.
■ He enjoys playing golf, fishing, and collecting Star Wars Legos.
■ His dad taught him how to fix up cars and work with his hands.

How did you get started at Shepherd Center?
I worked [next door] at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital for 23 years. I started at the bottom as a maintenance tech because I love working with my hands. I worked my way up through Piedmont, all the way up through management. When the opportunity came my way for a director position here, I knew the history and culture, and I wanted a taste of that.

It was right in the middle of COVID. A lot of people were saying, 'You've been here 23 years, you want to take that risk?' But Shepherd's just a special place. I prayed about it. The next morning, the only thing on my mind was Shepherd. I looked up and said, 'Thank you, Lord. You helped me make that decision.' And it was the best decision of my life.
 
What does your role look like on a day-to-day basis?
We take care of the buildings — mechanical systems, plumbing, heating and air, electrical, painting, flooring — you name it. We also handle moves and furniture, and help with patient outings when needed. We cover not just this campus but also off-site locations: Pathways, Spring Creek, the Arthur M. Blank Family Residences, and more. We're mechanical, not clinical, but everything we do still contributes to the patients’
care. Even something small, like changing a lightbulb in a patient's room, makes a difference. If it brings them comfort, then we've done our job.

You're known for getting involved in more than facilities work. What drives that?
I just love helping people. I love engaging with people. During Halloween and Christmas, I put decorations out in front of the engineering shop. I see families stop and take pictures. That brings some kind of joy into their life while they're dealing with so much here. That's what makes me happy.

Do you have a favorite memory since joining Shepherd?
Oh yeah — this is what I call my Shepherd Promise story. A few years back, I got a call about an elderly woman who was trying to change a flat tire in the parking deck. She didn't want to miss her husband's rehab session. So, I found her, introduced myself, and said, 'Ma'am, I'd be more than happy to change that tire for you.' While I was doing it, we talked about life, family, and the world. Two weeks later, I got a thank-you letter from her. She had taken the time to get my name and address and send me a card. I still get teary-eyed talking about it. Even just changing a tire, you can touch somebody in a way that sticks with them. That's the heart of Shepherd.
 
What do you want people to know about the engineering department at Shepherd?
People don't always realize how much property we cover. We're up to about 1.4 million square feet with the new buildings. I've got a team of 14, and we love what we do. We come in every day, work hard, and do it as a team. I tell folks: we're all spokes in a bicycle wheel. And when one of those spokes gets loose, the wheel doesn't turn right. So, we all stay tight together.
 

Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Interview by Dominique McPhearson