Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Native Tapped For Spot On Commission

Roy Albert, a native of Gurdon, has been named assistant commissioner of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services' (ARS) Program Planning, Development and Evaluation section.

"It is indeed a pleasure to announce the appointment of Roy Albert to this high profile and very critical position within our organization," ARS Commissioner Bobby C. Simpson said.

"A 23-year veteran of the vocational rehabilitation field, Roy has proven to be a dedicated team player," Simpson continued. "His loyalty and professionalism coupled with his experience, knowledge and leadership will ensure that Arkansas Rehabilitation Services continue to provide timely, high quality services which enable people with disabilities to find jobs in today's workforce."

Prior to being named assistant commissioner of Program Planning, Development and Evaluation, Albert served as the section's program manager, where he was responsible for compiling, analyzing and reporting agency data to the appropriate federal agencies to ensure compliance.

In his new position, Albert oversees the day-to-day operation of the section, including the administration of various grants, federal policies and regulations, agency contacts, community rehabilitation programs, the supported housing program, the supported employment program and ARS' technology program, Increasing Capabilities Access Network.

Albert also plays an active role in Arkansas Rehabilitation Services' self-directed work team environment, both as a team trainer and as team leader for the agency's Information System Planning team. As ISP team leader, Albert coordinated months of research and development of a comprehensive, three-year information systems plan to purchase and implement a $1 million computer system and related training.

"I have always been a supporter and early adopter of the self-directed team concept of management and will continue to support this philosophy," Albert said. "One of my goals is to utilize team concepts in departmental management practices to ensure participatory input from staff in decisions that directly affect the Program Planning, Development and Evaluation section."

Albert said another goal is to automate the section, thus ensuring a more efficient and timely reporting of data to federal agencies and to staff in the agency's 17 field offices.

Albert began his career with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services in 1975 as a vocational evaluator in the agency's Rehabilitation Initial Diagnosis and Assessment for Clients section.

He also spent 13 years as a rehabilitation counselor, performing psychological evaluations for agency clients.

Albert is a 1971 graduate of Gurdon High School. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology in 1975 from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling in 1979 from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

Albert is president of Arkansas RehabACTion and a member of the National Rehabilitation Association, the Arkansas Rehabilitation Association, the National Association of MultiCultural Rehabilitation Concerns and the Arkansas State Employees Association. He also received recognition in 1997 as the Arkansas State Employees Association's Outstanding State Employee.

He is currently president of the Unto Others, Inc. board of directors, president of the Little Rock Incentive School Parent Council, a member of the Little Rock School District's bi-racial committee, a member of the Little Rock School District's volunteer in public schools and past president of the Rockefeller Elementary School Parent Teacher Association.

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services is a state agency providing vocational and medical services designed to assist persons with physical, mental and sensory disabilities to obtain employment.