IBM Executive and Veteran Named Deputy Secretary at the VA

WASHINGTON – W. Scott Gould, a retired naval reservist and senior executive with experience in the Federal government and the private sector, has taken the oath of office as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“As a Veteran, as a corporate and government leader known for his transformation management skills, and now, as VA’s Chief Operating Officer, Scott Gould will help me advance President Obama’s vision for transforming the Department of Veterans Affairs,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. “Together with the men and women of the VA, we will work with Veterans, VSOs, the Congress, and other stakeholders to serve those who have sacrificed for our country and their families.”

As the number-two executive in the VA, Gould will oversee the day-to-day operation of the Federal government’s second-largest cabinet department, which provides health care to more than 1 million patients per week and benefits checks to about 3.7 million people monthly.

“I look forward to working with President Obama and Secretary Shinseki to serve our Nation’s Veterans,” Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs W. Scott Gould said. “The key to transforming a large organization like the VA will be innovation and collaboration. I look forward to working with VA employees and stakeholders in transforming the agency. Under Secretary Shinseki’s leadership we will become a Veteran-centric, results-oriented and forward-looking Department.”

Secretary Shinseki noted that Gould possesses a unique set of skills in information technology, acquisition, budget, human resources and leading the modernization of large, complex organizations.

As a naval reservist, Gould served at sea aboard the guided missile destroyer Richard E. Byrd and was assistant professor of naval science at Rochester University. He was recalled to active duty for both operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom as a naval intelligence officer.

Gould recently served as vice president for public-sector strategy at IBM Global Business Services, where he also founded and led IBM’s Global Leadership Initiative. Prior to IBM, he was chief executive officer of The O’Gara Company, a strategic advisory and investment services firm, and chief operating officer of Exolve, a technology services company.

Gould’s previous service in the Federal government includes positions as the chief financial officer and assistant secretary for administration at the Commerce Department and, later, as deputy assistant secretary for finance and management at the Treasury Department. As a White House Fellow, he worked at the Export-Import Bank of the United States and in the Office of the White House Chief of Staff.

A fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, Gould is a former member of the National Security Agency’s Technical Advisory Group and the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Overseers. He has been awarded the Department of Commerce Medal, the Treasury Medal and the Navy Meritorious Service Medal.

Gould is the coauthor of The People Factor: Strengthening America by Investing in Public Service. He holds an AB degree from Cornell University and a Masters degree in business administration and a Doctorate of Education, both from the University of Rochester.

Gould is married to Michèle A. Flournoy, and has three children.

SOURCE: U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs