VAMC Manchester, New Hampshire
Manchester VAMC Director Awarded for Excellence
April 19, 2018
Alfred A. Montoya, Jr. was recently presented with the Early Career Healthcare Executive Award by Robert McDivitt, Network Director, Veterans Integrated Network System (VISN) 10, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regent for the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
"Mr. Montoya serves as an excellent ACHE point of contact. He accomplishes this by setting the example for young executives in New Hampshire and Vermont," said McDivitt. "Under Montoya's direction, the Manchester VA Medical Center has recovered its infrastructure after suffering a catastrophic flood, created unprecedented community partnerships ensuring Veteran care, rebuilt the medical center's leadership team, and advanced restored trust with Veterans and the community at large. These accomplishments alone, within less than a year, warrant special recognition."
As a Veteran himself, Mr. Montoya receives 100% of his care through VA. "I receive all my care at the VA on purpose; it gives me the opportunity to have personal assurance that the Veterans' experience will meet my expectations."
Montoya is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and served for more than 10 years as a Russian Cryptologic Linguist. He was appointed as the Medical Center Director of Manchester VA Medical Center on February 23, 2018. The permanent appointment followed an eight month period in which Mr. Montoya served as Acting Director.
Throughout Mr. Montoya's career, he has been actively involved in state chapters of the ACHE. He currently represents the ACHE chapters for New Hampshire and Vermont as an official Point of Contact. In that role, he generates enhanced communication mechanisms for ACHE state members, and collaborates to bring forward ideas and best practices to recruit and advance ACHE members within VA.
Elements considered for award selection:
Montoya requested an Executive Order (EO) from the Governor's Office in response to a catastrophic flood at the Manchester VA Medical Center that yielded inoperable surgical suites. The EO would allow VA providers licensed outside New Hampshire to practice in private hospitals. The Executive Order was immediately executed allowing needed work ensure Veteran access to care, and the ability for VA to create a first-in-the-nation partnership making medical procedures performed by VA providers in local private hospitals possible.
Known for his signature statement, "How do we get to yes?", Montoya takes an innovative approach to expanding services and ensuring access to care. Enhancements under his leadership include establishing an Office of Community Care, Whole Health, Outpatient Recreation, and a Red Coat Ambassador Programs to enhance the Veteran experience while at the medical center.
Earlier in his career, while director at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, Montoya strategically partnered with two Federally Qualified Health Centers and a Vet Center to place a "forward-deployed" VA staff member in the community. This position was deployed to facilitate the Veterans Choice Program with the Veterans and community partners.
Mr. Montoya worked to build coalitions for Veterans within the states of New Hampshire and Vermont. Realizing the benefit of academic partnerships, Montoya fostered successful relationships with academic institutions which have flourished, leading to superior recruitments and enhanced care for the Veteran population. In recognition of these efforts, the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth honored him with an honorary academic appointment as Assistant Professor, a first for a Director at the White River Junction VAMC.
The ACHE is an international professional society of more than 40000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. The award recognizes a member of the ACHE for leadership ability; innovative and creative management; capability in developing his or her organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community; participation in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities; participation in civic/community activities and projects; and participation in ACHE activities and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.
For more information about the benefits and services available at Manchester VA go to www.Manchester.va.gov
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