Conte, William R.

William R. Conte was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1921. He received his B.A. degree from the University of Wichita in 1942 and his M.D. degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1945. He was certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in 1952. His career included private practice of psychiatry, teaching, administration and work in public mental health problems. In 1959, he became the first Supervisor of the Division of Mental Health for the Washington State Dept. of Institutions. He was a contemporary of Garrett Heyns and was appointed in 1966 to replace him as the Director of Institutions. He served Washington State for twelve years until his retirement in July 1971 to return to private practice. During his tenure, he initiated many progressive programs, putting Washington at the forefront of prison reform. William Conte married the former Suzanne Keay in 1946. They had four children. Dr. Conte passed away on Oct. 2, 1998.