The woman who has been interim director of the Montana Veterans Administration Health Care System since June was named permanent director Friday.
Dr. Kathy Berger began her VA career in 2007 as a nurse manager, following nine years in the Air Force.
The prior director, John Ginnitty, was in that job for 15 months. Ginnitty was interim director for nine months prior to that.
Kathy Berger was previously director of the VA medical center in Sheridan, Wyoming.
Montana’s U.S. senators praised the VA for making a move to solidify leadership in the state’s VA health system.
“Now that our veterans have a new director, I very much so look forward to seeing a commitment and change to ensure that their needs are not only being met, but that Montana’s veterans receive the best possible care," said Republican Senator Steve Daines.
Democratic Senator Jon Tester says,"I have met with Kathy, and I believe she has the tools necessary to meet the responsibility of taking care of our veterans."
The VA says it expects to formally appoint Berger within the next 30 days.
