New director named for Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks

Velez will oversee delivery of health care to Veterans from the Fayetteville VA Medical Center and seven outpatient clinics in Fort Smith, Harrison, and Ozark, AR; Branson, Springfield, and Joplin, MO; and Jay, OK.

“We are thrilled to bring Dr. Velez onboard as Fayetteville’s new Medical Center Director,” said Dr. Skye McDougall, South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16) Network Director. “I expect he will build on VHSO’s strong foundation of quality and Veteran-centric health care,” said McDougall. “His experience will be vital as we continue to expand our partnerships the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Northwest, Mercy Health of Northwest Arkansas, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, and the Freeman Health System of Joplin.”

“It’s an honor and privilege to serve my brother and sister Veterans,” said Velez. “My call to duty is to ensure Veterans receive the care they’ve earned and deserve.”

Velez is a retired 20-year U.S. Air Force Veteran, with service on Active Duty and in the Air National Guard. He participated and led multiple worldwide deployments to include humanitarian aid missions. He received the Theodore C. Marrs Award which recognized him as the Air National Guard Health Administrator of the Year.

Velez is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Senior Executive Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Fellow of the American Academy of Medical Administrators and a Senior Fellow of the Partnership for Public Service. Velez graduated from the Community College of the Air Force with an associate degree in Allied Health Science. He graduated from the Ohio State University and completed an undergraduate degree in English. Velez obtained an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, and a Doctor of Health Administration from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He is a Collaborating Scientist at Harvard University participating in front-line research activities and is currently an adjunct faculty with the Doctor of Health Administration Program at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio; and an adjunct faculty with the Master’s Degree Program in Health Administration at Central Michigan University.