WASHINGTON – Dr. Leo S. Mackay Jr. announced his resignation today as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), effective September 30.
“Dr. Mackay brought to VA the discipline of the business world and the compassion of a man who cares deeply for America’s veterans,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. “His legacy is a more-focused VA better able to meet the needs of veterans.”
Mackay was confirmed by the Senate on May 24, 2001, for VA’s second-highest post. He oversaw the day-to-day operations of the department, which has a budget of nearly $60 billion and 224,000 employees.
“VA continues to be recognized inside and outside government as a leader in integrated health care, research, patient safety and environmental stewardship,” Mackay said.
Among his accomplishments are the establishment of a Joint Executive Committee with the Department of Defense to coordinate senior-level policies, strengthening of a “national shrine commitment” to improve VA-run national cemeteries, and improvements in the department’s procurement, finance and computer-based operations.
“It is with a degree of sadness but an immense pride in the accomplishments of the Department of Veterans Affairs that I announce my resignation,” Mackay added. “It has been my sublime honor to serve President Bush, Secretary Principi – a veteran’s veteran – my fellow veterans and America’s citizens.”
Mackay has accepted a position with ACS, Inc., of Dallas. The firm provides business process and information technology outsourcing services. He will assume a senior executive position in its health care solutions business in Atlanta.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the Navy’s “Top Gun” training program, Mackay was a vice president of Bell Helicopter Textron before coming to VA.
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