William Armbruster built his legacy transforming former defense communities into thriving communities that serve the people around them. One of the nation’s most experienced and trusted voices in base closure reuse, Armbruster focused his career on military service, local redevelopment, Pentagon policy and on-the-ground leadership.
Armbruster served 26 years in the Navy and retired as a captain. He brought the discipline from his service career into each of his following leadership positions.
Armbruster’s community transition work began during the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) era. He served as the Executive Director of the Fort Pickett Redevelopment Authority in Virginia from 1994 to 2001, guiding the community through the difficult early stages of closure and redevelopment. Fort Pickett ultimately employed four times more jobs than it lost during its closure, a testament to the community-centered redevelopment Armbruster advocated for.
Armbruster’s experience in defense communities shaped his policy work as deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations and environment. He directed the Army’s privatization and public-private partnership programs, with responsibility for the Residential Communities Initiative, privatization of Army lodging, and the Army-Community Heritage Partnership Program. He worked with more than 25 military installations navigating BRAC during his tenure.
Armbruster served as Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority, beginning in March 2008, managing the transfer of the Fort Monroe National Historic Landmark District from the Army to the commonwealth of Virginia. Under Armbruster’s leadership, the authority developed and adopted a reuse plan, balancing historic preservation, economic development and public access. This vision culminated in November 2011, when President Obama designated Fort Monroe a national monument, securing the site’s protection and national significance.
Armbruster’s impact endures in the community Fort Monroe has become: a national monument a living historic landmark that models what thoughtful, mission-driven reuse can achieve.
This profile is a part of the ADC50 Changemakers series, where we highlight members of our community who have supported defense communities and ADC over its history.
