Governor Charles Spittal Robb

CHARLES SPITTAL ROBB was born in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1939. Robb attended Cornell University and the University of Wisconsin where he recived his BBA in 1961. He received his law degree in 1973 from the University of Virginia. Robb began active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1961 and served until 1970, including combat service in Vietnam. Robb began his legal career as a judicial clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals in Richmond, after which he became associated with the law firm headed by Edward Bennett Williams in Washington, D.C. He served as lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1978 until 1982. He was elected Governor of Virginia in 1982 and reelected in 1984. During his term, the state increased education spending and the Port of Hampton Roads became the fastest-growing port in the nation. Robb also focused on the Chesapeake Bay. During his tenure, Governor Robb chaired the Southern Governors’ Association and the Democratic Governors’ Conference. He also served on the executive committee of the Southern Growth Policies Board and as a member of the Southern Regional Education Board. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1988 and reelected in 1994, and he promoted the enlargement of NATO.