Rob is a proven leader with decades of experience in military service, law enforcement, business, and emergency management—bringing people together under pressure to solve problems, serve the community, and lead Tuscaloosa County forward.
Judge Ward D. “Rob” Robertson is the 16th Probate Judge of Tuscaloosa County and is currently in his 2nd term. In addition to his role as Probate Judge, he serves as Chairman of the County Commission overseeing the day-to-day operations of county government, including the 500+ employees and $169M budget.
As Probate Judge, Judge Robertson handles many different court matters such as Guardians/Conservators, Wills and Administrations, Adoptions, Elections, and Mental Health – to name a few. Judge Robertson also oversees the Synergic Center project, a unique multi-faceted facility that is home to the new and expanded Law Enforcement Academy Tuscaloosa, a regional training center designed to support the next era of workforce and training, and a historical record digitizing operation.
Judge Robertson grew up in Orlando, moved to Tuscaloosa in 1986, and is a two-time graduate of the University of Alabama School of Business earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration.
Prior to being elected, Judge Robertson served the county as Director of the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency. He has a background in both the public and private sector, including law enforcement, business management, disaster recovery, information systems, and logistics. He is also a veteran of the US Marine Corps.
He is married to Dana Robertson and together they have two teenage daughters. He currently serves the community on various boards and committees as well as serving in church leadership.
Rob served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed a lifelong foundation of leadership and discipline. This military background continues to inform his dedicated approach to public service and community safety.
He is a two-time graduate of the University of Alabama School of Business, holding both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Business Administration. His academic training provides the financial and management expertise required to oversee large-scale county operations.
Before transitioning into broader county leadership, Rob served as a deputy with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, where he built a strong professional foundation in law enforcement and front-line public safety. He utilized this critical experience to protect the citizens of our community while gaining a deep, firsthand understanding of the complex systems required to keep Tuscaloosa County secure.
As Director of the Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management Agency, Rob led critical efforts in disaster recovery and infrastructure protection. His leadership during high-pressure situations ensured the county was prepared for and could effectively respond to emergencies.
Currently serving his second term, Judge Robertson acts as the 16th Probate Judge and Chairman of the County Commission, where he manages a $169M budget and oversees daily operations for over 500 county employees. In this dual role, he balances essential judicial matters like adoptions and estates with a focus on modernizing county infrastructure and maintaining the fiscal responsibility that Tuscaloosa County taxpayers expect.