WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced, April 6, President Trump has directed VA Chief of Staff Pamela J. Powers to perform the duties of Deputy VA Secretary.

Powers assumed her new role April 2 and will serve in the position until further notice while continuing to perform her duties as VA chief of staff.

“Pam has quarterbacked VA’s historic transformation for the better part of the last two years,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Her deep experience and decisive leadership style will yield tremendous benefits for Veterans and the department during this important time.”

Collectively, Powers has nearly 30 years of service in the Air Force and Department of Defense, with experience in executive-level management, policy development, strategic planning and programming, legislation, operations and communications.

Before joining VA, Powers was chief of staff to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. In that role, she was responsible for day-to-day operations for Department of Defense Total Force Management as it relates to readiness, National Guard and Reserve components, health, training, and personnel requirements and management.

During her military service, Powers was assigned to posts in Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, Kuwait and Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.

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

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