Top VA Leaders and Speakers from James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Talk Innovation and Inclusion at Convention
Blacks in Government National Training Institute held at Tampa Convention Center on August 14, 2024, that successfully brought together VA leadership and employees to discuss and explore leadership, diversity, and innovation in Veteran services.
The event featured two members of James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital leadership, a keynote speech by Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tanya Bradsher and interactive discussions providing Veterans and VA staff with valuable insights on organizational improvement.
The event kicked off with an opening speech by Vice President of Veterans Affairs Headquarters Chapter Region XI BIG Sylvia Palmer, who underscored the importance of innovative leadership and equity. Attendees engaged and participated in presentations that laid out the VA’s commitment to diversity and innovation and practical strategies for implementing these values.
The second highest official in the VA, Bradsher spoke on “Innovative Leadership in High-Performing Organizations”. Emphasizing the critical role of strategic leadership in the VA, she provided valuable insights into how cutting-edge practices enhance service delivery and support the needs of Veterans in the Tampa area.
“Don’t run away from issues or problems. Run to them. Be transparent in communication with your staff, your leadership and your peers,” Bradsher encouraged in her speech. “Celebrate your employees. Make sure they know that you value them, because the bottom line is, that relationship is what is going to keep your employees.”
Anthony Moorehead, interim associate director at JAHVH, provided an in-depth presentation on “Maintaining Collaborative, Innovative Working Environment”. He shared strategies and best practices for cultivating a culture in which employees are equipped to provide the best care and services to Veterans.
“Our Veterans trust us with their care.,” said Moorehead. “And that is very special to me, because we’ve worked on it.”
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital currently serves over 100,000 Veterans living in four counties in Central Florida and places importance on meeting the unique needs of this population. Ericka Reynolds, African American Special Emphasis Program Manager, pinpointed the importance of ensuring equity and inclusion within the VA workforce during her presentation on the “State of African Americans” at VA.
“When we speak about inclusion, it really means everyone is feeling safe, included and valued,” said Reynolds. “Employees may have multiple identity types, and therefore experience an intersectionality of identities which may influence and impact an employees experience.”
Reflections from the Honorable David Groves, role, who provided addition perspectives, and closing remarks from Dr. Fredrick G. White, Jr., President of the VA HQ Chapter of BIG wrapped up a day of well-rounded presentations. The event was not only a platform for sharing ideas, but also a crucial step toward reinforcing the VA’s commitment to diversity, equity and innovation in its operations. Attendees were encouraged to apply the insights gained from the presentations to enhance their own leadership practices.
For more information about leadership and diversity initiatives at BIG NTI, visit https://bignti.org/.