New Atlanta VA Health Care System Director Announced
PRESS RELEASE
March 25, 2024
Decatur , GA — Today, Secretary McDonough announced the appointment of Mr. Kai Mentzer as the permanent Director for the Atlanta VA Health Care System, effective June 2.
Mr. Mentzer has held several leadership roles throughout his 15-year VA career, and he is currently serving as Medical Center Director at the G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Prior to that, he served as that facility’s Associate Director.
Mr. Mentzer has also served at the Assistant Director of the South-Central VA Health Care Network at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Louisiana. He started his career as a TCF Intern at the Southern VA Healthcare System in Tucson, Arizona. From there, Mr. Mentzer moved to the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8), where he held the positions of Assistant Chief and Administrative Officer for the nation's largest Environmental Management Service (EMS). His leadership also extended to his roles as the acting Chief Logistics Officer, Integrated Ethics Program Officer, and Health System Specialist to the Director.
Mr. Mentzer proudly served in the United States Army starting in 2003, focusing on Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, and Radiological operations. His experiences spanned across the globe, encompassing domestic and international missions in Afghanistan, South Korea, and the continental United States. He graduated from the University of Arizona and Southern Columbia University, receiving his master’s in organizational leadership.
Mr. Mentzer graduated from the Healthcare Leadership Development Program in 2015. Additionally, he remains an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and has served as an active VHA certified mentor since 2010.