United States Department of Veterans Affairs

~OPENING STATEMENT~
MR. ROBERT ALLEN PITTMAN

NOMINEE FOR
ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR
HUMAN RESOURCES AND ADMINISTRATION
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
UNITED STATES SENATE

September 30, 2004

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

Chairman Specter, Senator Craig, and members of the committee, it is a great honor and privilege to appear before you today as President Bush’s nominee for Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration. I am grateful to the President for nominating me, and to Secretary Principi for requesting my nomination. Thank you Mr. Chairman, and members of the committee, for conducting this meeting. I also express my gratitude to my wife, Linda, who has supported me throughout my career. She is also honored for this opportunity.

The services offered by the department must reflect our country’s commitment to the needs of our honored veterans, returning military and their families. The demands for much needed resources and assistance are constant. The Secretary, through the VA’s STRATEGIC PLAN, specifically the HUMAN CAPITAL INITIATIVE, has undertaken this service capability challenge. The comprehensive HUMAN CAPITAL INITIATIVE is centered on many critical actions that must be achieved. They include, but are not limited to:

  1. attracting and recruiting high caliber employees in a timely manner,
  2. retaining high-caliber employees in mission-critical occupations,
  3. developing future leaders,
  4. building competencies and career growth opportunities
  5. preserving institutional knowledge, and
  6. diversifying the workforce, particularly in leadership positions.

Workforce planning and execution of these plans is paramount to the VA’s success, and its ability to serve our veterans and their families.

If confirmed, this strategic human capital initiative will be the centerpiece and focus of my leadership efforts to attain excellence in the department and its mission for the benefit of our veterans. I believe that I bring the necessary experience to lead the office of Human Resources and Administration in support of the Department’s human capital challenges.

If confirmed, I would be humbled to have the opportunity to serve our veterans and their families. As a Vietnam Veteran, I would be deeply honored and most proud to serve my country again.

Mr. Chairman, Senator Craig, and committee members, I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.


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Veterans and their family members who wish to contact the Department regarding a claim, benefits, or services, may call VA Toll-Free at 1 (800) 827-1000 or 1 (800) 829-4833 [TDD], or Contact the VA via the web.