Virginia Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Robert B. Stroube and Frank Batten, Sr., retired chairman and CEO of Landmark Communications, Inc., each will receive an NGA Award for Distinguished Service to State Government.

Annually, NGA presents three awards to state officials, three to private citizens and two for distinguished service to the arts.  Awards will be presented on July 21 during the meeting’s opening plenary session.

Dr. Robert B. Stroube has served nine Virginia governors as a principal advisor on protecting and improving Virginians’ health, and has earned the respect of virtually every stakeholder in health and health care in Virginia. Throughout his 32 years of dedicated service to the Commonwealth, he has shown true leadership and compassion.  Under his direction, the Virginia Department of Health is consistently recognized as among the most prepared states in the nation for health-related crises and natural disasters. 

“Dr. Stroube is a trusted advisor and leader in his field. Health officials from across the nation and around the world have traveled to Virginia to learn more about his leadership in public health,” Governor Kaine said. “Dr. Stroube is a tremendous asset to us and to the Commonwealth.”

Frank Batten, Sr.’s life story demonstrates a deep commitment to the belief that access to education is the key to an individual’s future as well as to the health and well-being of the community.  Batten, the retired publisher of The Virginian-Pilot and The Roanoke Times and other media properties, has donated more than $400 million to education over the years. Most recently, he donated $100 million to create a new School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia. 

“Frank Batten has always been committed to doing the right thing,” Governor Kaine said. “To those who know him well, he has been both a personal and professional role model, and an inspiration.”

Established in 1976, the NGA Awards for Distinguished Service to State Government allow governors to bring national recognition to their states’ most valuable civil servants and private citizens. The awards emphasize the commitment of state administrators and the important contributions private citizens make to their state. The awards program is administered by a selection committee comprised of three permanent representatives from the academic community, as well as designees chosen by the NGA chair and vice chair.

“We recognize these individuals today for the dedication each honoree has demonstrated to improving their states and the nation,” said NGA Chair Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano. “On behalf of the nation’s governors, I would like to express our gratitude for their meaningful contributions to state government.”

For more information on the NGA, the Annual Meeting, and other Award recipients, please visit the NGA website at http://www.nga.org/.

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