The 2024 Secretary’s Honor Award for I CARE recognizes exemplary employees who have demonstrated sustained performance or a specific act of noteworthy nature relative to the Department’s core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I CARE). Acts potentially warranting recognition include going above and beyond normal practice in their role to care for and serve our Nation’s Veterans, their families, caregivers, survivors, or fellow employees.
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Awardees
VHA recognizes Daryl Ferguson and Joshua Anderson, Environmental Management Services (EMS) at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center, for displaying true characteristics of servant leaders. In August 2023, they helped address the well-being of a Veteran in distress. They made multiple contacts to the Veteran, who is also a front-line EMS employee, to ensure he received the care he needed. Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Anderson exemplify dedication to duty, perseverance, concern, and respect for their fellow human being, fellow employee, and Veteran. Their willingness to serve above and beyond epitomizes VA’s I CARE principles and values.
VHA recognizes Sharon Ford, Group Practice Manager at the Phoenix VA Health Care System. Ms. Ford’s immense contributions in this role have positively impacted Veteran access to quality, timely care by providing facility-level guidance on program and resource productivity, efficiency, and return on investment. Her passion as an advocate for Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors is a true reflection of VA’s I CARE principles.
VHA recognizes Barbara Forsha, Executive Director of the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, for her work in strengthening staff, addressing customer concerns, and improving employee engagement. Ms. Forsha, who cultivates a customer-focused culture and places patient safety at the forefront, positively impacted Veterans and the VA community and exemplifies VA’s I CARE values.
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Awardees
The VBA recipient is Maureen Elias, Senior Advisor for Benefits. Her conscientious and compassionate service; honest, transparent, and ethical application of laws and regulations in delivering benefits; authentic interactions; and reliable, trustworthy advice allow VBA to advance decision-making, provide exceptional customer experiences, and positively impact Veterans and the VA community. Ms. Elias, who consistently exhibits respect and concern for others, embodies VA’s I CARE values.
National Cemetery Administration (NCA) Awardees
NCA recognizes the Workers’ Compensation Team—Kimberly Harvey, Winnie Binyam, Kendrick Rutland, Jean Kim, and Luis Rami—for top-notch customer service. The team consistently exceeds VA targets for timely filing of injury and illness notices, wage loss claims, and return-to-work rates, underscoring their dedication to excellence and commitment to VA’s I CARE values.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) Awardees
The Board recognizes John Jones, Veterans Law Judge, for his leadership as the current Acting Chief Counsel while simultaneously a team of six drafting attorneys. His team signed nearly 850 appeals decisions over the past 10 months, and he has played an active role in the Board’s Law School Outreach Program, advocating for future Board employees. His willingness and dedication to serve above and beyond epitomize VA’s I CARE values.
Office of Information and Technology (OIT) Awardees
The OIT recipient is Merissa Larson, Executive Director of Risk and Remediation. Ms. Larson is recognized for bringing VA into compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Her efforts include working closely with Congress and agencies across federal government to implement the Section 508 Playbook for Program Maturity. Ms. Larson’s leadership and commitment to VA’s I CARE values helped improve access to VA digital information, technology, and services for millions of Veterans and VA employees.
