The Department of Veterans Affairs continues to strengthen its technology leadership bench, with VA Office of Information and Technology (OIT) formally swearing in several key leaders this week, including Senior Advisors Derek Williams and Howard Steinman.
The move comes as VA pushes forward on modernization and digital transformation efforts aimed at improving access, reliability, and outcomes for millions of Veterans. These additions signal a continued focus on bringing in experienced leaders who can translate strategy into execution across complex, mission-critical systems.
Among the new appointees, Howard Steinman stands out as a seasoned Senior Executive Service leader with a track record of driving large-scale transformation. In his role as Senior Advisor within OIT, Steinman will advise the CIO and help lead modernization efforts across the enterprise. His experience spans both government and industry, including leadership roles at Amazon and as a Partner at Deloitte and Kearney, where he focused on turning strategy into measurable results.
Steinman is known for building operating models that prioritize speed, reliability, and security, with an emphasis on accountability and outcomes. His approach aligns closely with VA’s ongoing efforts to modernize legacy systems, improve service delivery, and ensure Veterans have access to high-performing, user-centered digital services.
Derek Williams also joins OIT as Senior Advisor, bringing more than two decades of experience delivering enterprise technology solutions, with a focus on platform modernization, system performance, and team leadership.
These appointments, alongside the addition of James Hutton in the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, reflect a broader push by VA leadership to deepen expertise across critical mission areas. As VA continues to invest in its people and technology, the addition of leaders underscores a clear intent to accelerate modernization and deliver tangible improvements for Veterans.
