Gill Named Executive Director of Montana VA

The appointment becomes effective Sunday for Gill, who was named interim executive director in July 2023. He replaces Judy Hayman, who was removed after concerns were raised by Montana’s congressional delegation.

Montana VA Health Care System serves over 49,000 enrolled veterans with a staff of 1,400 at 18 sites of care across the state.

“I am proud to have worked hard enough to be accepted to lead such a dedicated health care team,” he said in a news release.

Prior to becoming interim executive director, Gill was the executive director of the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System since June 2020. He had previously served as the health care system’s associate director from 2014 to 2017, leaving the position to serve as the deputy director of a larger health care system in Colorado, and later as the acting director of VA medical facilities in Kentucky and Colorado.

He is a U.S. Navy veteran and fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received a master’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern Kentucky University, VA officials said.

Gill joined the VA in 2002 as a secretary in the chaplain’s office of VA’s Robely Rex Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

He said he believes that “as an employee of the VA you can go as far and as high as you’re willing to work and climb.”

Gill said the Montana VA works hard to serve veterans.

“I plan on matching that hard work and dedication – our veterans deserve nothing less than our best,” he said.