LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The director of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System says he's retiring next month to spend more time with family and pursue personal projects.
As director, Michael Winn, 57, is in charge of all activities at Little Rock's John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital and Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center in North Little Rock. He also manages a day treatment center for homeless veterans and some community-based outpatient clients.
Winn has led the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System for the past eight years, and his last day will be Oct. 3. Winn said the VA is accepting applications for his position and that an interim director will be named soon, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.
"With the number of moves I've had, I'd like to now spend some time with family," Winn said. "They've been supportive throughout all these moves, and I'd like to pay them back for that time. I've been considering this for some time."
During his 34-year career with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Winn has been assigned to regional VA offices in seven states. They include Oklahoma, Indiana, West Virginia, Colorado, Georgia and Louisiana.
Debby Meece, a spokesman for the system, said she and other employees are still digesting the news of Winn's retirement.
"In every new employee orientation, he goes in and says, 'There aren't many jobs that you can go into and serve heroes every day,'" Meece said. "He's had a wonderful federal career, and we're excited for him. He's going to be missed."
State Desk on 09/23/2014