In 2023, Sunaina Kumar-Giebel (HPM ’06) was appointed Director of the VA Rocky Mountain Network, which meant overseeing the care of more than a million patients, an operating budget of five billion dollars and more than 20,000 employees.
Also known as Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, the VA Rocky Mountain Network is one of 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) across the U.S. It consists of eight health care systems covering half a million square miles in Colorado, Montana, Oklahoma, Utah, Wyoming and parts of Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, and Texas, the largest contiguous geographic area covered by any VISN and a challenge for any leader.
“We have many rural locations that may not be near a VA facility, which leads to longer travel times for Veterans,” said Kumar-Giebel. “Ensuring that each of those veterans has timely and equitable access to care whether in the community or VA is a major priority and can be challenging.”
Working in what she says is the most beautiful geographic part of the country also presents several challenges. Kumar-Giebel notes that attracting and retaining qualified healthcare providers in underserved areas, in addition to the region's vast and diverse terrain, can impact the consistency and availability of services, even virtually.
“Maintaining or expanding physical infrastructure, providing telehealth services and partnering with the community in areas that do not have the best broadband capabilities can become complex and costly,” she said, adding, “Keeping veterans informed and engaged across a wide area requires tailored communication strategies, particularly in areas with limited internet or cellular service.”
Before she was named Director, Kumar-Giebel served as Deputy Network Director and Chief Operating Officer of VISN 19 and had previously worked in the VHA Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for Health for Operations and Management. She attributes her career path to the values instilled in her by her mother.
“Growing up, my mother always instilled servant leadership and gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities in the USA,” she said. “She always made sure my sister, Kavita, and I understood the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. Serving those who have served us is a blessing and privilege.”
Kumar-Giebel says her position has also given her perspective on those childhood lessons. “One of the most rewarding aspects of being a VISN Network Director is knowing that every decision I make contributes to the well-being of veterans across a vast and diverse region.” She says it is more than just overseeing operations; it is about taking pride in ensuring that veterans, regardless of location, have access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare. She is motivated by seeing measurable improvements in outcomes and satisfaction, knowing that these changes stem from collaboration and innovation within the network.
“Ultimately, this role offers a rare and humbling opportunity: to lead with purpose, serve those who served, and leave a lasting legacy in veteran healthcare,” she said.