Governor Kaine Announces Retirement of Dr. Robert B. Stroube
– State Health Commissioner served the Commonwealth for nearly 34 years –
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the retirement of State Health Commissioner Robert B. Stroube, M.D., M.P.H., who served Virginia for nearly 34 years.
“Dr. Stroube’s commitment to public health has had a positive impact on communities across the Commonwealth,” Governor Kaine said. “Under his direction, the state has been recognized by national experts as a model for others seeking to protect and promote public health.”
Dr. Stroube, 61, has held many public health leadership positions in Virginia, including a previous stint as State Health Commissioner from 1991-1994. He led the Virginia Department of Health’s response to the September 11, 2001 attack on the Pentagon, as well as the public health response in the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel. Most recently, Dr. Stroube oversaw and coordinated the work of the state medical examiner in the aftermath of the tragic deaths at Virginia Tech.
“The practice of public health has evolved considerably during my tenure,” said Dr. Stroube. “My experience in public health has truly been rewarding. It has been an honor to serve the Commonwealth.”
Dr. Stroube is the outgoing president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. In this capacity, he met regularly with senior federal officials to collaborate on issues critical to the health of the nation. Dr. Stroube has also testified before Congress on numerous occasions about a wide range of important and timely topics including pandemic influenza and public health preparedness.
Over the years, Dr. Stroube received many honors and awards. Most recently, he received the 2007 National Governors Association Award for Distinguished Service to State Government.
Dr. Stroube earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of William and Mary in 1968, his Master of Public Health from the Johns Hopkins University in 1974, and his Doctor of Medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1974 where he completed a residency in Preventive Medicine in 1976. Dr. Stroube was board certified in 1983 by the American Board of Preventive Medicine as a specialist in public health and general preventive medicine.
Dr. Stroube will officially step down at the end of the year, due to his wife’s illness. His successor will be announced at a later date.
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