Dr. Lee Payne was named Deputy Under Secretary for Health in February 2026. In this role, he helps lead the nation’s largest integrated health care system with more than 1,400 sites of care. Dr. Payne provides executive oversight of all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies and programs, offering strategic direction and guidance in collaboration with the Assistant Under Secretaries for Health.
He also serves as the VHA Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) Executive Sponsor, functioning as the Chair for the EHR Executive Council and liaising between Department of Veterans Affairs and VHA stakeholders that support EHRM deployment efforts. With more than three decades of senior healthcare leadership in the U.S. Air Force, Defense Health Agency, and Department of Defense, Dr. Payne brings extensive expertise in health system management, medical readiness, and innovation.
During his military career, he commanded three military hospitals, including a major medical center, and served as Command Surgeon for three major commands. He was a Chief Flight Surgeon and deployed multiple times in support of combat operation. At the Defense Health Agency, he directed Combat Support and led the Military Health System’s electronic health record modernization. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, he oversaw DoD’s diagnostics and testing effort, protecting service members and families.
Dr. Payne is board‑certified in Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Medical Management. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, American College of Physicians, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Association of Physician Executives and is a Certified Physician Executive.