William R. Wimbish

William Wimbish was raised in a rural part of Virginia called Halifax County. His father, who is presently a pastor of a church in Halifax County, instilled Christian values in him early as a child. He recalls memories of church where spirit filled sermons brought about revelations and convictions in the congregation’s souls. These moments stirred them right out of their seats into a spiritual dance. Church was a place where people were not judged but rather accepted and encouraged to do better. This is where Mr. Wimbish developed his interest in helping, molding and encouraging young people. William Wimbish, graduated from Halifax County High school. William Wimbish, graduated from the Norfolk State University in Norfolk Virginia. Where he initially majored in Pre-Law, however a passion for the knowledge of administration blossomed and he changed his Major to Public Administration. William Wimbish, went on to receive his master’s in Public Administration from Strayer University at the Virginia Beach campus with a 3.7 GPA and Graduated with honors. In September 2003-November 2005 He worked at Alternative Behavioral Services located in Portsmouth, VA. Mr. Wimbish established a therapeutic relationship with young males in a highly structured residential environment. Ensured environment remained safe and normative. Promoted a positive culture throughout the facility. He assigned charting duties. Supervised counselors’ breaks. Performed overnight audits. From June 2004-January 2005 Mr. Wimbish worked for City of Virginia Beach as a Mental Health Assistant. Here he assisted in the provision of support services to persons with co-occurring disorders of mental health/ substance abuse as well as challenging behaviors and or medical conditions. Then in April 2006-June 2012 Mr. Wimbish worked at Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center in Williamsburg, VA as a Counselor III where he supervised security counselors and support staff in the detention center with a Cognitive Behavioral Training Program. Mr. Wimbish ensured public safety through the control and supervision of staff and residents in the detention center. As counselor III he assumed responsibility of the building as acting supervisor on duty, in absence of a supervisor. In June 2012 – April 2016 Mr. Wimbish was the Assistant Program Director of Westhaven Boys Home with the Tidewater Youth Services Commission. Here he supervised and implemented program management of a multi-function residential group home for boys aged 12-17. This program served as a pre-dispositional/ post- dispositional detention alternative/emergency shelter for foster children or for teens in crisis. He ensured personnel presented clients with individual and family counseling, Aggression Replacement Training (ART), post-release transition services, academic support, recreation and pro-social activities. He completed multiple in house audits to make certain the facility reached state standards. Form April 2016-present Mr. Wimbish held the position of Director of Apartment Living Program-Virginia Beach, VA Where he performs responsible managerial and professional work in the administration, oversight and operation of the Apartment Living Program. Plan program operations; develop policies that govern operational and administrative functions; and manage the implementation of the program services. Manage the work of subordinate staff engaged in implementing daily operations. Identify, obtain, and allocate needed program resources to include staff, materials, and financial resources. The Apartment Living Program works with males (17.5 to 20 years of age) that have been involved with the Juvenile Justice System, who are returning back into the local community. The majority of the residents will be returning to the community with minimal family support or resources. Clients are in need of independent living skills and some of the program services offered to them are as follows: Individualized Service Plans, Individualized Counseling, Independent Living Workshop Groups, Education Placement Support, Vocational/Employment Placements Support, and Money Management. Form March 2022-present Mr. Wimbish holds the position of Deputy Director of the Tidewater Youth Services Commission. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Deputy Director performs complex administrative, managerial and professional work. Work involves establishing processes for developing plans and objectives, supporting subordinate managers and teams; evaluating service performance; and modifying policies, program plans and procedures as necessary. Duties also include marketing and other public relations functions; developing effective working relationships with peers in other service agencies, referral agencies, therapeutic organizations, and the Courts. Provide directions through subordinate managers; obtain and allocate division resources; and evaluate programs; and identify opportunities to improve, expand and refine programs to best meet the needs of the community and the objectives of the Commission. In the work environment Mr. Wimbish is considered “Firm, Fair, and Consistent.” Mr. Wimbish has to be able to empathize with clients and colleagues. His status requires him to lead by setting an example for his fellow workers and the residents who interact with him daily. He likes to keep humor in the forefront because he thinks it can lighten situations and ease stress filled and tense moments.