Ms. RimaAnn O. Nelson assumed the position of Assistant Under Secretary for Health for Operations, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs effective January 2, 2022.
Ms. Nelson served as the Network Director for Veteran Integrated Service Network (VISN) 10, VA Healthcare System on October 27, 2019. In this role, she provided oversight of a health care network that includes 11 VA Medical Centers and 60 outpatient clinics across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. She oversaw an operating budget in excess of $5.3 billion and over 27,400 employees. Prior to Ms. Nelson’s role as Network Director, she served as the Executive Director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System a tertiary care hospital providing a full range of Primary Care, Specialty Care, Mental Health and Allied Health Services to over 100,000 Arizona Veterans.
Ms. Nelson served as the Director of the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Manila (USDVA), Philippines from July 2013 through October 2016. As the Director of USDVA Manila, Ms. Nelson led the only VA health care facility located in a foreign country and located on U.S. Embassy property. She oversaw all aspects of both VBA and VHA operations for all Veterans, dependents, and their survivors in the Philippines.
Prior to her appointment in Manila, Ms. Nelson served as the Medical Center Director of the St. Louis VA Health Care System. Ms. Nelson began her career with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs at the Salt Lake City VA Health Care System in April 1994.
