Twelve senior VA leaders chosen for prestigious presidential award for service

This week, the White House announced that 12 VA senior leaders will receive 2023 Presidential Rank Awards (PRA)—one of the most prestigious awards in the federal career civil service—for their extraordinary service to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.

These awards, chosen by President Biden, recognize the hard work and important contributions of dedicated civil servants in the American federal workforce. VA’s recipients are:

• Angela Billups, executive director of VA’s Office of Acquisition and Logistics
• Ronald Burke, deputy under secretary for Policy & Oversight in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
• Reginald Cummings, deputy chief information officer, Infrastructure Operations in VA’s Office of Information and Technology (OIT)
• Karen Flaherty-Oxler, Medical Center director of VA Philadelphia Health Care
• Kimberly Graves, executive director, St. Paul Regional Office in VBA
• Scott Isaacks, Medical Center director of VA Charleston Health Care
• Wendell Jones, network director of VA Heart of Texas Health Care Network
• Leroy Larkins, associate deputy assistant secretary for Audit in VA’s Office of Management (OM)
• Jeffrey London, executive director, Medical Disability Examination Office in VBA
• Christopher McClellan, executive director, Muskogee Regional Office in VBA
• Katherine Palmer, associate chief financial officer for Financial Management & Accounting Systems in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
• John Rohrer, Medical Center director of Madison VA Hospital and Clinics (now retired)

“We at VA couldn’t be more fortunate to have these excellent leaders working every day to serve our nation’s Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough. “Because of their great work, we’re delivering more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before.”

The President selected 232 winners from 31 federal agencies for their exceptional leadership, accomplishments and service over an extended period of time. These individuals are all members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior-Level (SL) and Scientific and Professional (ST) corps. 

“Public servants are unsung heroes—working to better the lives of families across America,” said Jeff Zients, White House chief of staff. “They do everything from making sure you get your tax refund to helping you set up your small business to keeping us all safe at home. They get things done with grace and skill, and first and foremost to serve the American people. The President, the Vice President and everyone across the Biden-Harris Administration are grateful for their dedication and their service.”

OPM Director Kiran Ahuja added: “Every day, tens of thousands of dedicated federal employees are solving the nation’s most pressing challenges and developing new technologies to improve the lives of millions. The Presidential Rank Awards highlight public servants who exemplify integrity, exceptional leadership and a relentless commitment to the American people. Congratulations to all the awardees. The federal government and the American people are safer and better off thanks to your hard work and dedication.”

For the complete list of the Presidential Rank Awards, visit OPM’s website.