RICHMOND - Governor Jim Gilmore announced the appointment of David Ross as acting commissioner of the Department of Rehabilitative Services. Ross will head the department of 1,094 employees and oversee the implementation of the department's services.

"My administration remains committed to addressing the needs of persons with mental health, retardation and other disabilities," Governor Gilmore said. "David's extensive hands-on involvement with community-based service organizations and his outstanding managerial skills will provide the valuable insight necessary to afford citizens with disabilities a bridge to becoming active and productive members of society."

As acting director, David Ross will oversee the processes for developing, providing and coordinating services relating to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities. He also will supervise the establishment of fiscal policies for services made available by the department.

A resident of Mechanicsville, Ross brings to this job a broad-based background in government. He served nearly 10 years as a senior vice president of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce (GRCC).

At GRCC, Ross worked to improve community, government and business relations and to increase economic development efforts in the Richmond metropolitan area.

Most recently, Ross served as Chief of Staff to Lieutenant Governor John H. Hager. Ross has garnered extensive experience from implementing mental health services at the community level. For the past six years, he served on the Hanover Community Services Board, three as chairman. He has been actively involved in implementing the board's Supported Employment Program, which provides jobs to persons with disabilities through community outreach. In addition, Ross is the chairman and founding president of the Hanover Unit of the American Heart Association and a member of the Board of Directors for the Metro Coalition Against Drugs. Ross also sits on the Advisory Board for the Memorial Regional Medical Center.

"I am truly excited about the Governor's vision for the mental health and disabilities communities and look forward to serving him and carrying his message to disabled communities," David Ross said.