June 25, 2014             

VA Announces Personnel Actions

 WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today announced several personnel actions aimed at accelerating Veterans’ access to quality health care and rebuilding the trust of America’s Veterans.

 At the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Leadership Summit this week in Washington, Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan D. Gibson announced that, effective July 2, Dr. Carolyn Clancy will be named interim Under Secretary for Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Dr. Clancy will spearhead the Department’s immediate efforts to accelerate Veterans’ access to care.

 “Dr. Carolyn Clancy is a leader and a real innovator when it comes to Veterans’ health care quality and safety.  As we conduct our search for an Under Secretary for Health, there’s no one better to take on the issues we face,” said Acting Secretary Gibson.  “Dr. Clancy will be charged with the Department’s top priority – getting Veterans off of wait lists and in to see their doctors.  She will also lead our efforts on immediate, national reforms to accelerate access to care and restore trust among our Veterans, and I’m grateful to her for taking on this critical role.”

 Dr. Clancy has been at VA since August of 2013, serving as the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Quality, Safety and Value.  Prior to her appointment at VA, Dr. Clancy, a general internist, served as Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). 

 Dr. Robert L. Jesse, current Acting Under Secretary for Health, will complete his four-year term as Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health on July 2nd.  A commission of health care experts and industry leaders is currently assessing candidates for recommendation to the Secretary and President on a permanent Under Secretary. 

 The Department today also announced that Dr. Jonathan B. Perlin, Chief Medical Officer and President, Clinical Services for Hospital Corporation of America, will commence a short term assignment at VA as a Senior Advisor to the Acting Secretary.   Dr. Perlin, who previously served as VA Under Secretary for Health, is also chair-elect of the American Hospital Association.  Dr. Perlin will be taking a leave of absence from his current duties.

 “We’re pleased to welcome this exceptional leader back to VA,” Gibson added.  “I look forward to the contributions of Dr. Perlin who is recognized for his national healthcare leadership roles, as part of the VA team as we continue our work towards accelerating access to care and rebuilding trust with Veterans.”

 Additionally, Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs Sloan D. Gibson accepted the resignation of Will A. Gunn, General Counsel for the Department of Veterans Affairs, effective July 3.  Principal Deputy General Counsel Tammy Kennedy will serve as Acting General Counsel. 

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