DBHDS News Releases

For Immediate Release:  August 12, 2010
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Kim Runion Named Permanent Director at Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation

Richmond – Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) Commissioner James W. Stewart, III announced today that Kim Runion has been selected to serve as the new permanent director at the Virginia Center for Behavioral Rehabilitation (VCBR) in Burkeville.

“Early in her career, Kim was responsible for the case management and counseling of nearly 100 inmates at Brunswick,” said DBHDS Commissioner Jim Stewart. “This active involvement has been present throughout her career and has earned her respect from inmates and staff alike. I am pleased she will be part of the team at VCBR.”

Runion has an impressive record of service within the Virginia Department of Corrections. She is currently the senior warden at the Lunenburg Correctional Center and has also held the same position at the DOC facility in Brunswick. In addition to overseeing the daily operations, public safety, inmates, personnel, programs, security and other activities at the correctional centers, Runion has also supervised the mental health units and sex offender treatment programs.

Runion works hard to maintain a strong and successful relationship with the community. She is also a member of the VCBR advisory committee.

Runion, of Warfield, received a B.S. in social work from Longwood College. She will start work in her new position on August 30, 2010. The current temporary VCBR director, Dr. Stephen Herrick, will return to his full-time position at neighboring Piedmont Geriatric Hospital.

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Available to citizens statewide, Virginia’s public mental health, intellectual disability and substance abuse services system is comprised of 40 community services boards (CSBs) and 16 state facilities. DBHDS seeks to promote dignity, choice, recovery, and the highest possible level of participation in work, relationships, and all aspects of community life for individuals with a mental illness, intellectual disability or a substance-use disorder. 

1220 Bank Street • P.O. Box 1797 • Richmond, Virginia 23218-1797
Phone: (804) 786-3921 • Fax: (804) 371-6638 • Web site: www.dbhds.virginia.gov