WORCESTER – City Manager Eric Batista announced on Thursday the appointment of Dr. Joe Robinson as the new Director of Veterans Services within the Worcester Department of Health & Human Services.
Dr. Robinson is the first Black man to become Director of Veterans Services. His military career includes service in the United States Marine Corps from 1990 to 1999, culminating in his retirement as a disabled veteran.
After moving to Worcester in 2016, Robinson sought assistance from the Veterans Services Division. He now leads the very division that once assisted him.
“Serving veterans is both a passion and an honor. It’s our responsibility to support veterans as they navigate post-service life, ” said Robinson. “I’m excited to collaborate with Dr. Matilde Castiel, the Commissioner of Health & Human Services, to enhance our services for Worcester’s veterans.”
Born in Europa, Mississippi and raised in Waterloo, Iowa, Robinson brings over two decades of experience in veterans’ services to the city. Most recently, was veteran services coordinator for for MassHire South Shore with oversight of 22 cities and towns from Quincy to Cape Cod. He has also been an adjunct professor in Business and IT at Quincy College and Roxbury Community College.
Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in Executive Leadership from Liberty University.
City Manager Eric Batista praised Dr. Robinson’s appointment, saying, “Dr. Robinson brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by veterans. His empathetic and passionate approach will be invaluable in leading our Veterans Service Division. We are confident in his abilities to make a significant impact in the lives of Worcester’s veteran community.”
