New Executive Director Medical Center Robert C. Merchant, FACHE, Brings Leadership, Proven Experience to VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

Mr. Merchant previously served as the Interim Medical Center Director since May 2023. He also served as Executive Director, Ambulatory Care Services, where he led healthcare delivery to Veterans across VAGLAHS’ two ambulatory care centers and eight community-based outpatient clinics in Kern, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. As the Chief of Strategic and Facility Planning from 2018 to 2020, he oversaw implementation of the West Los Angeles Draft Master Plan.

Mr. Merchant has also served the Department’s headquarters as Special Assistant to the VA Secretary, Executive Assistant to the VA Chief of Staff, and Special Advisor to the VA Deputy Secretary. He has held senior positions at the Department of State in both Baghdad, Iraq and Washington, DC. His civilian awards include the Department of the Army Superior Civilian Service Award, Department of State Superior Honor Award, and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary’s Commendation.  

Mr. Merchant holds a Master of Laws from The George Washington University Law School, a Juris Doctor from Penn State University’s Dickinson School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts from Juniata College. Mr. Merchant served in the United States Navy Reserve for 12 years and is an Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran. His military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. 

“Mr. Merchant has sound leadership qualities and proven experience.  I am certain he will be a valuable asset to our VISN, our employees and volunteers, our health care partners, the community, and importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve. He will begin his appointment effective on 07/28/2024,” said Dr. Steven E. Braverman, VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network Director. 

For any media queries, please contact the VAGLAHS Office of Public Affairs at (310) 268-3340 or at VHAGLAPublicAffairs@va.gov.

About VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: VAGLAHS is one component of the VA Desert Pacific Healthcare Network (VISN 22) offering services to Veterans residing in Southern California.  VAGLAHS consists of two ambulatory care centers, a tertiary care facility, and 8 community-based outpatient clinics.  VAGLAHS serves Veterans residing throughout five counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. There are 1.4 million Veterans in the VAGLAHS service area.  For more information, call (310) 478-3711 or visit us at www.losangeles.va.gov.