“Following the departure of Department of Veterans Affairs Chief of Staff Vivieca Wright Simpson, the VA announced Friday that Peter O’Rourke, who leads the new accountability office at the VA, will now be its permanent chief of staff.”
“Along with the announcement came the message that O’Rourke’s presence will ensure VA leadership works closely with the White House going forward.”
“O’Rourke, a Navy and Air Force veteran, has headed the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection since it was created in May. In the role, he advises Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin on matters of employee discipline. O’Rourke was previously a member of President Donald Trump’s transition team.”
“Wright Simpson stepped down from the job Friday morning, following findings that she misled an ethics official into approving expenses for the VA secretary’s wife on a taxpayer-funded trip to Europe. In addition to the ethical violations, her retirement comes amid reports of internal strife at the agency…” Read the full article here.
Source: Amid Turmoil, VA Names New Permanent Chief of Staff – By Nikki Wentling, February 17, 2018, Stars and Stripes.
