WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a series of Trump Administration political appointees, bringing experienced leadership to key roles while also clarifying exemptions to the federal hiring freeze to maintain critical services for veterans.
Chris Syrek will return to VA as chief of staff, having previously served as deputy chief of staff during the first Trump Administration. During his tenure, he played a significant role in implementing landmark reforms, including the VA MISSION Act and initiatives to improve claims processing.
Cheryl Mason will serve as senior advisor to the secretary, resuming her work with VA after leading the Board of Veterans Appeals. Her leadership resulted in a dramatic reduction in legacy appeals and improved decision output. Lynda Davis, another returning appointee, will lead the Veterans Experience Office, where she will continue efforts to enhance veterans’ trust and customer experience through initiatives like the VSignals feedback system and the White House VA Hotline.
The department also announced Karen Brazell, Curt Cashour, Lavin Gartland, Danielle Runyan, John Bartrum, and Morgan Ackley to key advisory and communications roles. These individuals bring expertise ranging from acquisition and public affairs to legal policy and organizational strategy. Many have prior experience within VA or extensive backgrounds in veterans’ advocacy, policy, and service.
Additionally, VA clarified exemptions to President Trump’s January 2024 federal hiring freeze, ensuring critical positions such as health care and public safety roles remain unaffected. “Under President Trump’s leadership, VA will always do what is necessary to provide America’s Veterans with the benefits and services they have earned. The targeted hiring-freeze exemptions announced today underscore that fact,” said Morgan Ackley, VA Director of Media Affairs.
The moves highlight the VA’s efforts to execute the Trump Administration’s goals of efficiency and accountability while maintaining essential services for veterans.
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