VA announces new executive medical center director at VA Palo Alto health care
PRESS RELEASE
July 4, 2023
Palo Alto , CA — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean Jones Gurga as Executive Medical Center Director for VA Palo Alto health care in Palo Alto, California. In her new role, Ms. Gurga will oversee a $1.1 billion annual operating budget and lead over 7,000 staff and volunteers.
VA Palo Alto health care has 800 operational beds spread between 3 inpatient divisions and 4 community outpatient clinics. In addition, VA Palo Alto is home to a Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, which is one of 5 facilities in the country designed to provide intensive rehabilitative care to Veterans and service members who experienced severe injuries. Being a teaching hospital, VA Palo Alto health care has strong partnerships with Stanford University School of Medicine, numerous academic affiliations in allied health programs, and other community health institutions.
“We are excited to welcome Ms. Gurga back to Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 21 as the new Executive Medical Center Director of VA Palo Alto health care. Given her 26 years of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) experience, I anticipate excellent leadership and continued commitment to America’s heroes,” said Ada Clark, Interim VISN 21 Director.
Ms. Gurga currently serves as the Interim Executive Medical Center Director at VA Palo Alto health care. She previously served as the Executive Medical Center Director at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. Ms. Gurga began her VHA career in 1996 as an Occupational Therapist in Alexandria, Louisiana. Prior to her current appointment, Ms. Gurga served in a broad range of administrative and executive management positions throughout VHA.
Ms. Gurga is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She holds a master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University - Boston School of Occupational Therapy and a bachelor's degree in Business Economics from Mills College. In 2017, Ms. Gurga graduated from VHA’s Health Care Leadership Development Program, and in 2011 she graduated from the Partnership for Public Service's Excellence in Government Fellows Program.
Media Contacts
Laura Hutcheson, Chief Public Affairs
(650) 468-3849
Laura.Hutcheson@va.gov