While in the joint MHA/MPA program, Jeff Bennett completed two administrative internships, one with the University Orthopedic Center and one with the Salt Lake City VA. After graduation, he was offered a VA fellowship and worked as assistant to the director, Steve Young. At the VA, Jeff took on many interesting projects and was always proud to host the MHA students for a tour of the VA campus, including the Valor House, a safe haven for homeless veterans, and the Fisher House, which provides accommodations for families of veterans who are receiving care at the VA hospital.
Jeff is excited to continue with his career at the VA and is taking a new position as the assistant director of the Oklahoma City VA Health Care system. Though he’s sad to be leaving Salt Lake City, he’s looking forward to filling one of five executive leadership positions and learning from one of the VA’s top medical center directors (CEO). In this position, Jeff will have service line responsibility over most of the support services in the hospital and outpatient clinics, including: engineering, police, food and nutrition, customer service, voluntary, chaplain, environmental management (housekeeping), safety and environment of care.
Jeff credits his new opportunity to the great education and mentorship he gained throughout his time in the Eccles School MHA program. He is excited for the chance to utilize his education and experience to make a positive impact on the VA system and the Veterans it serves.
We are proud to see Jeff achieving a personal goal of obtaining an executive leadership position before turning 40.
