William "Mac" Babb III

On October 1, 2019, William "Mac" Babb III was named chief of police and director of security at Virginia Tech.

Babb, formerly with the Roanoke Police Department, was named deputy chief of police and assistant director of security at Virginia Tech in July 2015.

As deputy chief and assistant director of security, Babb helped lead the 75-person Virginia Tech Police Department and oversaw its operations and administrative divisions. In addition, he assisted in developing and implementing a security strategy and coordinating the security services for all Virginia Tech campuses and programs, including those overseas.

In 1990, Babb began his career at the Roanoke Police Department as a police officer. He was promoted to sergeant in 1999 and lieutenant in 2006. During his career, Babb managed the canine unit, served as a tactical response team commander, directed the police academy, and completed his career supervising the Investigations Bureau.

He has received numerous awards over his career including the Commonwealth Valor Award and the Lifesaving Award from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.

Babb received a bachelor’s degree from Roanoke College and a master’s degree from American Military University. Babb is a graduate of the National Criminal Justice Command College.