Four senior leaders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) were among more than 30 women honored by FedHealthIT magazine during an award ceremony Oct. 30 at the Leading for Impact: Women in Leadership conference in Arlington, Virginia.

FedHealthIT recognized the women for their work as leaders at organizations and mission-focused strategic programs across the federal technology and consulting community.

“Our leaders set the tone for the organization,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “This recognition is a testament to how VA is breaking barriers in leadership and innovation. We are proud of our women leaders for their commitment to driving change through technology solutions that improve experiences for our Veterans and their families.”

The following VA leaders received awards:

Denise Kitts is the executive director of multichannel technology for the Veterans Experience Office (VEO). She leads VEO’s efforts to transform customer service through technology and better business processes to help Veterans understand their benefits and how to engage VA.

Dr. Laura Kroupa is the chief medical officer for the Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization (OEHRM). As OEHRM’s clinical champion, she pioneered the effort to configure VA’s new electronic health record solution, setting national clinical standards to transform the delivery of Veterans’ health care.

Luwanda Jones is the deputy chief information officer for information technology (IT) strategic sourcing for the Office of Information Technology (OIT). Jones is a driving force in the establishment and management of an organization responsible for controlling, optimizing and leveraging acquisitions for VA’s IT and IT-related needs and requirements.

Susan Perez is chief of staff and executive director of IT integration for OIT. Through her leadership and role as a change agent throughout the department, she has ensured that multiple transformative initiatives have flourished, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, EHRM and OIT’s cybersecurity strategy.

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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov

Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.

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