Anthony J. Principi

Anthony J. Principi is Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), a position he was nominated to by President George W. Bush. As VA Secretary, Mr. Principi directs the federal government's second largest department, responsible for a nationwide system of health care services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries for America's veterans and dependents.

With a budget of more than $51 billion, VA employs approximately 219,000 people at hundreds of VA medical centers, clinics, benefits offices, and national cemeteries throughout the country.

Prior to his VA position, Mr. Principi was President of QTC Medical Services, Inc., a group of professional service companies providing independent medical examinations and administration.

From March 17, 1989 to September 26, 1992, Mr. Principi served as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, VA's second-highest executive position. He was later named Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs and served in that position until January 1993.

Mr. Principi is a 1967 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. He earned his law degree from Seton Hall University.