For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: August 2, 2006

Robarge Appointed Riddle Center Director

RALEIGH – For only the first time in its 43 year history, the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center has a new Director. State Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Division Director Mike Moseley has announced the appointment of Dr. Art Robarge as the Center’s new Director. Robarge succeeds founding Director, J. Iverson Riddle, who retired June 30. He assumes his new duties on Aug. 15.

“We looked for an individual who would carry forward the high standards and exemplary work and dedication to people with developmental disabilities that have always exemplified the Riddle Center. Art Robarge is that leader and I feel confident that he will guide this institution to even higher levels of service to the people of Western North Carolina,” Moseley said.

Robarge is currently the Riddle Center Director of the Consortium for Development of Community Supports for Individuals with Disabilities. From 2000-2002, he worked at the state MH/DD/SAS Division in Raleigh, where he served as Deputy Division Director. Robarge also briefly served as Acting Division Director from January 2001, through February 2002.

In addition, he was Director of Harris Psychiatric Hospital in Anderson, S.C., from 1992-2000; and, from 1986-89, Robarge was Director of Broughton Hospital and was the Assistant Director of the Riddle Center – then-called Western Carolina Center – from 1976-86.

“I am deeply honored and I look forward to working with center staff, my colleagues within the division, the providers, and the families and persons with disabilities throughout the Western Region,” Robarge said. “I promise to continue the Riddle Center traditions of excellence in client care; significant contributions to the professional body of knowledge through research, demonstration and innovation; and sharing resources and expertise with others so as to create additional community options and alternatives for persons with disabilities and their families.”

The J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, located in Morganton, serves individuals with mental retardation who reside within the 35 counties of the Western region of the state. In 2005-2006, the Center served more than 303 residential clients. The Center employs over 954 people.

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