Robert Horton, currently the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) public information manager, has been selected to serve as the Assistant Commissioner, Outreach and Engagement for the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA). He begins his duties on October 1, 2019.

This new position will serve as the principal advisor for communication, outreach, engagement, and the forging of external partnerships for the ADVA. In addition, he will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the full range of public communication, public affairs, media, outreach, engagement, and partnering activities for the department while ensuring the ADVA’s key messages are expertly communicated to target audiences across the state.

Prior to transferring to ADOC, Horton served as the public information officer for ADVA for eight years. During his time with the ADVA, he served on various advisory committees to include the Alabama Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration Policy Academy; Alabama Veterans Network; and represented the department on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Gulf War Illness Advisory Committee. He was active in the Department’s Veterans benefits and services outreach initiatives as well as the Yellow Ribbon program for assisting Reserve and National Guard members in their transition to and from active duty. He also served on active duty with the Alabama Army National Guard and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 25 years of military service.

He is a graduate of Troy University and his military education includes the Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, and the Defense Information School.

“I am honored for this opportunity to serve the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs,” Horton said. “Through community engagement and public outreach, I look forward to helping the department in delivering the right programs, services and benefits that will meet the needs of our veterans and their families.”