Chairman Buyer commends VA CIO, Bob McFarland

for his leadership and service 

“On behalf of the Committee, I thank Bob McFarland for tackling a difficult and challenging assignment as chief information officer at VA.  His resignation should be a wake-up call to Congress that essential reforms are not progressing well.  I call upon Secretary Nicholson to execute and implement the plans of his federated model as recommended by Gartner Consulting. 

Bob did not have to take on the job of running VA’s IT system.  He came here, as a veteran, because he felt it was his duty to give something back after a successful career in the technology industry.   

We appreciate his executive experience coupled with his desire to use that expertise to bring the best of the private sector to enhance the public sector.  His efforts were pure . . . so that America’s veterans could be better served.  

He departs with our sincere respect and best regards.” 

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