WASHINGTON –
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Senate Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs, today held a hearing to consider the qualifications
of three nominees to serve in various U.S. Department of Veterans’
Affairs (VA) roles.
At
a hearing on the nominations of Melissa Sue Glynn to serve as VA
assistant secretary for Enterprise Integration, Cheryl L. Mason to be
chairman of the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and Randy Reeves to be VA
undersecretary for Memorial Affairs, Isakson noted that each possessed
the experience and qualifications needed to excel in their respective
roles. He cautioned, however, that the VA must continue to be
accountable and responsive to veterans.
“One
of our greatest obligations as elected officials is to ensure the
seamless transition into civilian life for our veterans,” said Isakson. “I
have full confidence that each nominee will use their vast experience
to do great work on behalf of our nation’s heroes. If confirmed, I look
forward to working with each of them in their future roles at the VA.”
About the nominees:
Glynn previously led Alvarez and
Marsal’s public-sector practice focused on improving the delivery of
government programs, and K-12 and higher education. Prior to that, she
was a principal with PricewaterhouseCoopers and was responsible for the
firm’s work with the Department of Veterans Affairs. A New Jersey
native, Glynn holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a
master’s degree and Ph.D. from the University of Arizona.
Mason
is nominated to serve as chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals for a
term of six years. She is the currently the interim principal deputy
vice chairman at the Board of Veterans Appeals. She previously served as
deputy vice chairman, chief veterans law judge, veterans law judge, and
counsel at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Mason’s government experience
also includes serving as an attorney at the Federal Labor Relations
Authority and as an Air Force civilian employee in Europe. She received
her bachelor’s with distinction in political science and psychology from
Ohio Northern University and her law degree from Creighton University
School of Law.
Reeves currently serves as executive
director of the Mississippi Veterans Affairs Board and serves as
president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans
Affairs. He is a retired commander and surface warfare officer in the
U.S. Navy. Prior to being commissioned in the Navy, Reeves served as an
enlisted airman in the U.S. Air Force. He received his bachelor’s degree
in management from Peru State College in Nebraska and a master’s degree
in health sciences. He also completed the senior executive program at
Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
###
The
Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs is chaired by U.S. Senator Johnny
Isakson, R-Ga., in the 115th Congress. Isakson is a veteran himself –
having served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972 – and has
been a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs since he
joined the Senate in 2005. Isakson’s home state of Georgia is home to
more than a dozen military installations representing each branch of the
armed services as well as more than 750,000 veterans.
Contact: Amanda Maddox, 202-224-7777
Camlin Moore, 202-224-9126