For Immediate Release: 11/9/2023 6:36 pm
WORCESTER, Mass. – City Manager Eric D. Batista announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Joe Robinson as Director of Veterans Services within the Department of Health & Human Services.
Dr. Robinson is the first Black man to serve as the Director of Veterans Services. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 1999 when he retired as a disabled veteran.
In 2016, Dr. Robinson moved to Worcester where he would find himself visiting the Veterans Services Division looking for resources. The office assisted Dr. Robinson and he is now proud to lead the division.
“Working to serve veterans is not only a passion of mine but it’s an honor to serve those who have laid it all on the line in service of our country,” said Dr. Robinson. “It is our responsibility to provide our veterans with the services they need to help them navigate the challenges of life. I look forward to collaborating with Commissioner of Health & Human Services, Dr. Matilde Castiel as we continue to serve veterans in the City of Worcester.”
A native of the Europa, Mississippi, Dr. Robinson grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. He has worked in or volunteered in veteran services for more than 20 years and most recently coordinated veteran services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, MassHire South Shore with oversight of 22 cities and towns from Quincy to Cape Cod.
Dr. Robinson has taught as an adjunct professor in the Business and IT curriculums since 2002, most recently at Quincy College and Roxbury Community College. Dr. Robinson is a graduate of Upper Iowa University where he received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human Resources. He received his master’s degree in Business Administration and Ph.D. in Executive Leadership from Liberty University.
“Dr. Robinson will lead our Veterans Service Division with empathy, compassion and a fierce advocacy for veterans,” said City Manager Eric D. Batista. “With more than 20 years of experience of providing veterans services, Dr. Robinson knows firsthand the needs and challenges our veterans face on a daily basis. We are excited for him to take on this position and serve the City of Worcester.”
