Press Release  HEALEY-DRISCOLL ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF VETERANS’ SERVICES

BOSTON — Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll announced today, March 1, the establishment of the Commonwealth’s new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services. Former state representative and US Army Reserve Major Dr. Jon Santiago of Boston was sworn in as the Massachusetts’ first Secretary of the new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services (EOVS). 

 “I am honored to serve as Secretary of Veterans’ Services and am grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for their trust and confidence in me,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “As a US Army Reserve Major, who has served two tours overseas,  I have first-hand and profound appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and look forward to collaborating with colleagues across state government, Legislature, and the EOVS team to ensure they have access to services and benefits worthy of their service.” 

 “This is a historic day for Massachusetts veterans, service-members and their families,” said Governor Maura T. Healey. “I congratulate Secretary Santiago for the distinction of being the Commonwealth’s first Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans’ Service and commend him for his commitment to serving our Commonwealth and our country. As a physician, legislator, and US Army reservist, he brings a wealth of experiences and knowledge that will enable him to lead with compassion and move forward in continuing to improve care for Massachusetts veterans.” 

 “With the establishment of the EOVS, under the leadership of Secretary Santiago, the Commonwealth is better positioned to make sure veterans’ voices are heard, and to ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead the way in providing access to financial benefits and other vital support services, such as affordable housing for our veterans and family members,” said Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll, the daughter of a Navy veteran. 

The creation of the Executive Office of Veterans’ Services is the result of legislation enacted in 2022, An Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth’s veterans’ homes. The legislation includes new organizational and governance changes, elevating the Department of Veterans’ Services to a Cabinet-level Secretariat. 

Organizational and Governance Changes  

• The Department of Veterans’ Services is elevated to Cabinet-level Secretariat and removed from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and renamed to Executive Office of Veterans’ Services 

• The State Operated Veterans’ Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke report to EOVS, and the Secretary of Veterans' Services.  

Soldiers' Homes Governance Changes 

• Homes are renamed from Soldiers’ Homes to Veterans’ Homes 
• A new Office of Veterans’ Homes and Housing is established, with oversight by Executive Director Robert Engell 

• The new Statewide Veterans’ Homes Council was created in February 2023. The council consists of 19 members, chaired by Executive Director Robert Engell which includes appointments of four seats by the Governor, three seats by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Board of Trustee members of the two State Veterans’ Homes Input on membership from veterans’ organizations including VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Military Officers Association of America, and Gold Star Families. 

Administrative and Operational Requirements for Veterans’ Homes 

• Superintendents are appointed by and report to Secretary of Veterans' Services  
• Homes must apply for and maintain certain Department of Public Health licensure and CMS certification and be inspected twice annually by DPH. 

Establishment of Independent Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA) 

• The office is not within or subject to the control of any other agency, effective on March 1. 
• The Veteran Advocate will be nominated by committee, and will be jointly appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and the State Auditor. 

For more information about the new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services, visit mass.gov/veterans.

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