William Byrd Community House strives to be a catalyst for transforming the lives of people, particularly children and youth, by helping them move from dependency toward
self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.The Board of Governors appointed L. Robert Bolling as Executive Director of William Byrd Community House. We are excited with Robert's qualifications and enthusiasm as we launch into a new chapter in the William Byrd history.
Robert Bolling is an accomplished individual with deep roots in the Richmond area. As a boy, he grew up in Church Hill and has a great love for the area. His father and stepmother still live in the same house he was raised. Young Bolling attended Richmond Public Schools before completing his secondary education at the Groton School in Massachusetts. Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Amherst College. He also received The Harold Wade Fellowship upon graduation from Amherst.
Bolling's strengths coincide with the needs of William Byrd. He spent much of his early career in business, before moving to the public sector where he served as Virginia's first Director of Minority Health. He also served as the legislative liaison for the Commissioner of Health where he analyzed and promoted the short and long term needs of the agency to the Virginia General Assembly.
Robert returned to advocacy with the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, where he directed that agency's reading initiative, and promoted business development in the region.
His policy development and strategic planning background will help William Byrd to run smoothly. William Byrd will also benefit from Robert's management and fundraising skills. He was Director of Development and Interim Executive Director of The Healing Place, a recovery center for the homeless suffering from addiction. Most recently, Robert was Director of Finance and Business Development at Boaz & Ruth, Inc. an agency that helps the formerly incarcerated achieve self-sufficiency.
The Board of Governors and the Staff of William Byrd are thrilled to have Robert lead us. Welcome Robert!
