Robarge Appointed Riddle Center Director

For the first time in its 43-year history, the J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center has a new director. On Aug. 2, state Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services Division Director Mike Moseley announced the appointment of Dr. Art Robarge as the Center’s new director. Robarge succeeds founding director J. Iverson Riddle, who retired June 30. Robarge assumed 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.

Most recently, Robarge was the Riddle Center Director of the Consortium for Development of Community Supports for Individuals with Disabilities. From 2000 to 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, Robarge was Director of Harris Psychiatric Hospital in Anderson, S.C., from 1992 to 2000. From 1986 to 1989, he was Director of Broughton Hospital and was the Assistant Director of the Riddle Center – then called the Western Carolina Center – from 1976 to 1986.

“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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Last Modified: September 1, 2006