Announcement of Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Interim Director

I have officially been selected as the Interim Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Director/Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2025. I've served as the SAVAHCS Associate Director since 2021 and have been with VA since 2008. 

To begin, I would like to thank former SAVAHCS Director Ms. Jennifer Gutowski for her 26 years of dedicated service to our nation’s Veterans. She has left an indelible mark on the SAVAHCS and VA. Her commitment to excellence and unwavering support for our nation’s Veterans have set a high standard for all of us, and we wish her well in retirement.  

As the permanent Director’s position is being actively recruited for, I am honored to step into this role and eager to build upon her legacy to enhance the quality of care SAVAHCS provides to those who have served our country.  I’m committed to utilizing our resources effectively and efficiently towards our VA mission, “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”  

As a quick introduction, you can view my full professional biography at this link: https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/staff-profiles/maria-nguyen/  

Finally, I would like to thank all Veterans for their dedicated service to our nation. 

Maria Nguyen

Interim SAVAHCS Director