Bill Armbruster announces Departure from Fort Monroe Authority

Friday, 22 April 2011 17:49 | Written by Trudy O'Reilly

Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort, Hampton, VA…April 22, 2011….Bill Armbruster announced at today’s executive committee meeting of the Fort Monroe Authority, that he would depart his position as Executive Director, shortly after the official transfer date of September 15, 2011.

Mr. Armbruster stated, “This has been an exceptional opportunity. I am very proud of the Team we have assembled. They are doing an extraordinary job in meeting the goals and objectives set for us by the Base Closure process and by the Commonwealth of Virginia." Mr. Armbruster has managed the transfer of the Fort Monroe National Historic Landmark District from the U.S. Army to the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2008. Mr. Armbruster added, "It has been my privilege to work with an excellent staff and Board of Trustees."

Chairman of the Board, Secretary Terrie Suit, shared with the Executive Committee that Mr. Armbruster submitted his letter of resignation in January of this year and at the March Board of Trustees meeting, the board formally requested that Mr. Armbruster remain as Executive Director through the transition. Secretary Suit as well as board members John Lawson and Colin Campbell remarked on Armbruster’s exceptional leadership, his national reputation, and how his background helped the organization move though the complex BRAC process. The board took note of Mr. Armbruster’s on-going efforts to ensure a role for the National Park Service at Fort Monroe. Secretary Suit and Board Members underscored the need for Mr. Armbruster’s continued involvement in a consultative relationship beyond his departure and Mr. Armbruster enthusiastically agreed.

Secretary Suit stated how much the community, staff and board admired Bill's ability to develop partnerships and to keep the many stake holders well informed. "As we move rapidly to the formal transfer date of September 15, 2011, we will build on the work Mr. Armbruster has accomplished. We are focused on making this transfer as smooth and seamless as possible. Recognizing the complex challenges we face, the Commonwealth is providing the economic development investments to insure we meet our obligations to operate and manage this State owned site in close cooperation with the City of Hampton."

Before joining the Authority in February 2008, Mr. Armbruster was Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army where he directed the Army’s Privatization and Partnerships programs .In this position, he was responsible for policy and oversight of several landmark programs including the Army’s Residential Communities Initiatives (RCI), the Army-Community Heritage Partnerships and the Office of Historic Properties.

Before joining the Department of the Army, Mr. Armbruster worked from 1994 to 2001 on Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) matters affecting Fort Pickett, VA. From 1994 to 1996 he was Executive Director of a five-county reuse authority and then from 1996 through 2001 served as Executive Director of the Fort Pickett Redevelopment Authority.

Mr. Armbruster was Executive Vice President of Roanoke Lumber International from 1991 to 1996, Executive Director of Emporia Downtown Redevelopment Corporation from 1989 to 1991 and served as a Blackstone town Councilman from 1992 to 1995.

Mr. Armbruster also served 26 years in the Navy. He retired as a captain and his awards included the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the College of William & Mary and a Master of Science in international affairs from George Washington University.

James River Journal