John Collins to Lead VA Central Western Mass. Healthcare System
LEEDS — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced the appointment of John Collins as the new director of VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System in Leeds. Collins will oversee a comprehensive healthcare system classified as a Complexity Level 3 facility that provides care to approximately 25,000 veterans throughout Central and Western Mass., with an operating budget of more than $140 million.
“We are pleased to appoint Mr. Collins as the new director of VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System,” said Dr. Michael Mayo-Smith, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) director. “His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and for the veterans we are honored to serve.”
Collins has more than 30 years of healthcare experience in the U.S. Army, holding progressive leadership positions including chief operating officer, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany; commander, Winn Army Community Hospital, Fort Stewart, Ga.; brigade commander, 62nd Medical Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; and, most recently, commander, Europe Regional Medical Command, Sembach, Germany.
Collins was awarded a master’s degree in health care administration from Baylor University, a master’s degree in education from the University of Oklahoma, and a master’s degree in national resource management from National Defense University, where he was the distinguished graduate. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and a member of the ACHE Army Regents Advisory Council.
