Jaconda Lightburn DHA, MS, VHA-CM

Dr. Lightburn joins us from Lebanon VA Medical Center where she has been appointed Associate Director since January 17, 2021. During this tenure, she has served as Interim Director at the Lebanon VAMC and Interim Deputy Director at the Philadelphia VAMC. Prior to that, Dr. Lightburn was the Assistant/Interim Associate Director at the Veterans Health System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas and led the health care system’s response to the national pandemic. Before transferring to Fayetteville, she had multiple senior leadership experiences at several VA healthcare facilities including acting Assistant Director at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Medical Center and acting Assistant/Associate Director at the Charleston VA Medical Center, South Carolina. She began her VA career as the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) Manager and then transitioned to the Chief of Safety at the Charleston VAMC.

Dr. Lightburn is a retired Air Force Veteran with over 24 years of honorable and distinguished service. She began her service in the Air Force, performing industrial hygiene and environmental management assignments. After eight years of active duty, she joined USAF Reserves and began working at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) as a faculty instructor, teaching environmental and safety courses and performing environmental research in medical facilities throughout South Carolina. She is a native of Virginia, holds a Doctorate in Health Administration, Master of Science in Environmental Pollution Control from Pennsylvania State University, a bachelor’s degree in vocational education and two associate degrees. Dr. Lightburn is also a graduate of VA’s Healthcare Leadership Development Program, USA Executive Potential Program, Healthcare Leadership Development Program (HCLDP) Coach, VA certified Mentor program and she is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.