Yates appoints Gibbs to Veterans' Services post

YATES COUNTY--At the Monday, Feb. 13 meeting of the Yates County Legislature, Douglas Gibbs was unanimously appointed as the next Director of Veterans' Services for Yates County.
Gibbs's appointment comes after the former Director of Veterans' Services, Phil Rouin announced his pending retirement on March 31. Rouin has served as the director since 2015, coming to this role following a 30-year career in the U. S. Navy, most of which was spent serving in Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and after earning his Master's degree in Social Work. He has been very active advocating for veterans in the region since he began in this position through work as the executive director of the County Veteran Service Officers' Association, Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board - Veteran Outreach Committee, and the co-chair of VA's Finger Lakes Veterans Advocacy Council/Community Veterans Engagement Board.
"Serving as the director the past eight years has been a tremendous privilege," Rouin said. "During this time, I have striven to leverage my familiarity serving in the U. S. Navy and coaching expertise to help veterans successfully integrate into civilian life. I am truly grateful for all the other staff members, interns and volunteers who have aided our office in this work, as well as the ongoing financial support from numerous community organizations for the benefit of the veterans of Yates County and their families. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to have a positive impact, and will miss the daily interaction with the amazing men and women who responded to the call to serve our nation in this vital way."
"Phil has done an excellent job for the county providing services to our veterans and their families," County Administrator Nonie Flynn said. "I appreciate the work Phil has done to make his office professional and yet still welcoming to all. We welcome Doug Gibbs as our new director of Veteran's Services and I have no doubt that he will continue to work with our veterans and their family members as well as Phil has with integrity and compassion."
Gibbs is a Penn Yan native and retired from the Navy in 1995 as a Chief Petty Officer. He also currently serves as the commander of the Johnson-Costello American Legion Post 355 in Penn Yan.
Legislature Chairwoman Leslie Church stated, "Yates County is fortunate to have Doug Gibbs accept the position for director of Veterans' Services. We look forward to working with him and supporting him as he serves our local veterans and their families."
The director search began in November 2022 and concluded in December after an interview committee made up of representatives from both the legislature and management team of Yates County made the recommendation to the legislature to authorize the appointment of Gibbs to the position.
"Veterans' issues are my passion," said Gibbs. "I know how much our country asks of our veterans and their families and how much our country owes them."