WILLIAM L. ROBERTS, Ill

BACKGROUND:

Born in Mobile, Alabama, January 6, 1941. Attended public schools in Mobile; graduated from Auburn University in 1965, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; did post graduate work in History and Political Science at the University of South Alabama.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Administrator, Cogburn Nursing and Convalescent Center, Mobile, Alabama 1965 -1970.

President and CEO, Cogburn Health and Rehabilitation Services, Inc., Mobile, Alabama; a family owned business since 1939, 1970 to present.

President, Southeastern Lodging, Inc., 1986 -1997.

GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE:

Elected to Alabama House of Representatives in 1970

Served as a member of the House Health and Conservation Committees.

Chief sponsor of the Alabama Air Pollution Control Act of 1971.

Chief sponsor of the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act of 1971.

Chief sponsor of the Tuberculosis Reorganization and Treatment Act of 1971.

One of several Mobile legislators instrumental in initial funding of University of South Alabama Medical School for ten million dollars; approved by legislature in 1969, but, not funded until 1971.

Awarded Heacock Medal by Alabama Tuberculosis Association in 1971.

Awarded Governor's Conservation Award in 1972 for work on Alabama Air Pollution Control Act of 1971.

Elected to Alabama Senate, District 35, 1974.

Chairman of local Government Committee; member of Constitution and Elections, Conservation, Education and Seaports and Inland Waterways Committees in the Senate.

Introduced Mayor Council bill for Mobile (it failed/later passed by Senator Ann Bedsole).

Introduced kindergarten program for Alabama Public Schools (it failed/now part of the system but not mandatory.)

Member of State Commission on Aging.

Member of Alabama Revolution Bicentennial Commission in 1976.

OTHER SERVICE:

Member of Alabama Commission on Higher Education 1988-1997 (one 9 year term).

Chairman, (presently serving) Mobile County Foundation for Public Higher Education.