Tracie Pinkston

In May 2026, Tracie Pinkston was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). In this position, she provides executive leadership, guidance and direction to all organizations throughout VBA, as well as serve as the Deputy to the Chief of Staff. In addition, she serves as an advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits and the Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits on the development and implementation of VA/VBA-wide policies, programs, and internal management and operations of VBA.

Prior to this appointment, Ms. Pinkston served as the Special Assistant in the Office of the Under Secretary for Benefits. In this capacity, she led strategic initiatives and high-level projects to strengthen the delivery of VBA benefits, programs, and services to Veterans and beneficiaries. She oversaw technical operations and played a key role ensuring policies, procedures, regulations, and processes for VBA business lines and staff offices align with VBA’s mission and priorities.

Previously, she served as the Director of the VBA Des Moines Regional Office. Ms. Pinkston provided executive leadership and strategic direction for the delivery of benefits supporting Iowa Veterans and beneficiaries. In this role, she managed financial and human resources, ensured quality control across programs and operations, and actively engaged in outreach activities with Iowa Veteran communities.

Ms. Pinkston began her VA career as a Work Study under the Student Career Experience Program as a Program Support Assistant in the Phoenix National Call Center in 2008 and has served in various positions within VBA. She has extensive experience in claims development and adjudication, finance and administrative programs, and strategic planning and change management.

CAREER CHRONOLGY:

EDUCATION: