Harold "Brent" Pharis

A dedicated Veteran of the United States Army, Mr. Pharis has an illustrious military career, having served with distinction in numerous capacities. He completed tours in Desert Storm (1991), Afghanistan (2005-2006), and Iraq (2007-2008) as a healthcare specialist (Medic). Mr. Pharis held various leadership roles within medical centers, including operations and administrative supervisor, department of emergency medicine supervisor, surgical and clinical care/operations and surgical services supervisor, and administrative and operations supervisor. His commendable service culminated in his retirement from the Army in 2013.

Following his distinguished military career, Mr. Pharis transitioned to a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2013. His first role with the VA was as the administrative officer for the Department of Mental Health at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Demonstrating exceptional capability and commitment, Mr. Pharis has since held increasingly complex and responsible positions at various VA facilities across the nation. His previous VA assignment was as the Associate Director at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. Most recently, he served as the interim Director of the Western New York Healthcare System.

Mr. Pharis holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Executive Leadership from Liberty University. He also holds a Master’s in Catalytic Leadership from Fidelis International Seminary of Dallas Christian College. He is a 2015 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Methodist Health Care Analytics Certificate Program. His dedication to professional development is evidenced by his completion of the VISN 15 Leadership, Effectiveness, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Program in 2015 and attaining VA-CASE Lean Yellow Belt Certification.

Mr. Pharis is a recognized member of several esteemed organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Order of Military Medical Merit. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence in both military and civilian healthcare administration, underscoring his ongoing dedication to serving his country and its Veterans.