TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - A change of leadership that could impact veterans seeking treatment.
KGUN9 has learned the director of the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Jonathan Gardner, is stepping down. His last day is January 4th.
In a letter to staff, Gardner wrote, "During the last 36 years I have dedicated my professional life to the care and treatment of Veterans. It has been my privilege to work at all levels within the Veterans Health Administration, specifically Facility, Network, Region and VA headquarters. My career began with a Without Compensation (WOC) appointment in 1978, followed by progressive leadership assignments. The last 22 years here at SAVAHCS have been my favorite."
No word on who'll replace Gardner.
Care of veterans has been under intense scrutiny after CNN reported in 2014 that 40 patients died waiting for care at a VA hospital in Phoenix.
