“Veterans Affairs officials announced Friday that the department’s top congressional liaison will also serve as acting chief of staff, filling another of VA’s most senior leadership vacancies.”
“Brooks Tucker, who currently works as assistant secretary for the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, will serve in both that role and the chief of staff post. In a statement, VA Secretary Robert Wilkie praised Tucker as the right person for the work.”
“‘As our legislative point man, Brooks helped negotiate some of the most sweeping VA reform legislation in generations and he is an excellent choice to steer the VA ship as our chief of staff,’ Wilkie said. ‘Brooks understands the mission and we’re counting on his knowledge and dedication to make sure VA keeps improving for veterans.’”
“Tucker’s new appointment was effective as of April 30. He temporarily takes the place of Pamela Powers, who was tapped to serve as acting deputy chief of staff earlier in the month.”
“That position became vacant in February when Wilkie abruptly dismissed Jim Byrne from the role. Wilkie attributed the move to a ‘loss of confidence’ in Byrne, but other department officials have indicated the move was related to an internal power struggle at VA.”
“The latest personnel move leaves three of the department’s top six posts — the deputy secretary, chief of staff and under secretary for health — all filled by acting appointees…” Read the full article here.
Source: VA names new acting chief of staff, filling another leadership vacancy – By Leo Shane III, May 1, 2020. Military Times.
