Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Gets New Permanent Head

Tampa, FL (Law Firm Newswire) September 20, 2016 – Florida Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet unanimously appointed Glenn Sutphin as executive director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs on August 2. His appointment is subject to Senate approval.

Sutphin’s appointment was expected as he was the top choice for the post. The retired Army lieutenant colonel was the sole candidate interviewed out of 310 applicants. Sutphin, 67, has served as the department’s interim executive director since April. Mike Prendergast, the previous head, resigned to run for Citrus County sheriff.

“The appointment of a permanent executive director will provide the department with stability so that it can move forward with improving services for veterans,” said David Magann, a Florida-based veterans attorney. “It is important for the department to have strong leadership so that it can achieve its objectives of making sure veterans’ needs are met.”

Sutphin started his military career in 1969. He has served more than 30 years as an Army officer in the Florida National Guard. In 1999 Sutphin began working as chief of staff and legislative affairs director for the Florida Department of Military Affairs. The department comprises the Florida Air National Guard and the Florida Army National Guard.

In a public job interview, Sutphin emphasized the need to build more nursing homes for Florida’s veterans. One of his priorities is to get construction started in early 2017 on a long-awaited 120-bed nursing home in St. Lucie County. He also outlined plans to expand outreach efforts so that veterans are more aware of the government benefits that are available to them.

“… Lt. Col. Sutphin is extremely qualified for this position,” Scott said in a statement after the vote. “He has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to his fellow veterans, and I am confident he will continue to honorably serve our state and the many veterans who proudly call Florida home.”

Learn more at http://www.tampaveteranslawyer.com/ David W. Magann, P.A. Main Office: 156 West Robertson Street Brandon, FL 33511 Call: (813) 657-9175 Tampa Office: 18715 N Dale Mabry Hwy Lutz, FL 33548