Kayla Williams, formerly project associate at nonprofit public policy think tank Rand Corp., has been named director of the center for women veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The VA said Tuesday Williams will serve as primary adviser to VA Secretary Robert McDonald on programs, policies and legislation that concern female veterans.
Congress formed the center in 1994 in an effort to coordinate and manage the delivery of healthcare benefits and other services that VA offers to retired servicewomen.
“Kayla embodies everything it means to be a true advocate for women veterans and I am proud to welcome her (the) to VA in this leadership role,†said McDonald.
“This is an important time for (the) VA as we prepare for the growing number of women we expect to take advantage of the VA services they have earned.â€
Williams spent eight years at Rand Corp., where she conducted research on health, benefits, intelligence policy and international security that affect veterans and uniformed personnel.
She is a recipient of the 2015 Lincoln Award and a member of the Army education advisory committee.
Williams, who authored two books, previously served as an Arabic linguist at the Army and McNeil Technologies.
