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Phoenix Regional Office

Meet Our Leadership Team

chris norton with short hair striped suit jacket red tie light blue shirt posing in front or american flag and veterans administration flag

Director: Chris Norton

Director Norton, appointed in June 2016, is responsible for administering compensation, pension, and Veteran readiness & employment benefits for an extensive population of over 500,000 Veterans and their families residing in Arizona. Director Norton also supports the operations of a national call center, extending his assistance to Veterans nationwide.
amanda french with blonde hair black suit jacket striped blouse posing in front of american flag

Assistant Director: Amanda French

Amanda was appointed as an Assistant Director in March 2022. She shares responsibility for the effective and efficient direction, control, and operation of benefits delivery for Veterans and dependents residing in Arizona.
walt strong with short brown hair gray suit jacket blue shirt striped black and grey tie posing in front of american flag and veterans affairs flag

Assistant Director: Walt Strong

Walt was appointed as an Assistant Director in July 2023. He shares responsibility for the effective and efficient direction, control, and operation of benefits delivery for Veterans and dependents residing in Arizona.
christina ramsey with long brown hair blue suit jacket blouse with black blouse posing in front of American flag with blue background

Veterans Service Center Manager: Christina Ramsey

Christina was selected for this position in 2024. Christina administers Compensation and Pension programs and provides other assistance regarding VA benefits and services to Veterans, Servicemembers, their families, and survivors residing in Arizona.
jill rufener with curly red hair with glasses and black blouse posing in front of american flag with blue background

National Call Center Manager: Jill Rufener

Jill was selected for this position in April 2012. She is responsible for providing timely and accurate telephone service to Veterans, Servicemembers, their families, and survivors who call the toll-free number 1-800-827-1000.  
kate schoenlein with long straight blond hair and green blouse posing in front of american flag with blue background

Veteran Readiness & Employment Officer: Kate Schoenlein

Kate was selected for this position in 2023. She ensures the effective and efficient administration of Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) benefits to Veterans, Service members, their families, and survivors in Arizona.
srey austin with short dark hair with black jacket and black blouse posing in front for american flag backdrop

Support Services Chief: Srey Austin

Srey is the Support Services Chief. She was selected for this position in 2024. Srey is responsible for the oversight of the Financial and Administrative operations, including Payroll and Budgeting, Procurement, Auditing, Compliance, Facilities & Fleet Management, she also manages Records and Credit Card Management for the Phoenix Regional Office.
austin cibik with short brown hair and blue collared shirt with black sports coats posing in front of American flag with blue background

Analyst / Public Affairs Officer: Austin Cibik

Austin was selected for this position in April 2024. Austin collaborates with community partners to engage Veterans and their families while building working relationships through effective communication and coordination. His efforts help create a supportive environment, benefiting the Veteran community and strengthening the network of support available to them. 
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