PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has a new executive director, David VanMeter.
What You Need To Know
David VanMeter has been working at the VA for 20 years
He served in mutlple positions before coming to Bay Pines VA as their new executive director
VanMeter said he is excited to build on Bay Pines’ reputation
This position is the leader of their system, overseeing thousands of employees, billions of dollars, and making sure patients trust their facilities.
The importance of the position is not lost on him.
VanMeter said one of his missions is for the veterans they take care of to trust him and their facilities.
“I didn’t serve,” he said. “My father did, my father-in-law did, my grandfather did, my cousins, uncles. So, for me, as not being a veteran, finding this is my purpose.”
VanMeter is coming from Tampa. There, he served as deputy director since 2016.
VanMeter said he’s not implementing any changes at this time. He’s focusing on learning so that he can help his facilities offer the best possible care.
“You cannot beg, borrow, buy, or steal your way into VA care,” he said. “You can only earn the right to be here. So for those that are receiving our care, I want to continue providing care, world-class customer service, and world-class quality care for them.”
VanMeter said there’s always something they can be doing better.
He added that he can’t wait to see Bay Pines grow under his watch.