James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital Announces New Director

TAMPA, FL — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the appointment of David K. Dunning as the new director of the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics, Tampa.

In this role, Dunning will be responsible for overall operations and oversight for the health care system which serves approximately 110,000 veterans with an annual budget of more than $1.5 billion and more than 6,500 employees.

The system comprises the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, a teaching hospital that provides a full range of patient care services with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. Outpatient clinic services are provided at a large multi-specialty clinic in South Hillsborough County, and community-based clinics located in New Port Richey, Brooksville, Lakeland, Lecanto and Zephyrhills.

"We are excited to bring Mr. Dunning on board as the new director of the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics," said Dr. Miguel LaPuz, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 director. "His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the facility, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the veterans we are honored to serve. He will arrive at the medical center Nov. 8 to begin his appointment."

Dunning previously served as the medical center director of the Memphis VA since 2017. Prior to joining the VA, he served as commander-chief executive officer of Tripler Army Medical Center, chief financial officer at the U.S. Army Medical Command & Office of the Surgeon General, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, commander-chief executive officer at the Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, Fort Polk, Louisiana, and deputy chief of staff/deputy chief operating officer at the U.S. Army Medical Command & Office of the Surgeon General, Ft. Sam Houston.

Dunning completed 30 years of military service in the Army and holds a master of science in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College, a master of public administration in comptrollership from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a bachelor of arts in political science from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina.

"With a strong sense of governance structure and ability to focus on customer experience, I am certain Mr. Dunning will be an asset to our VISN, our employees and volunteers, our health care partners, the community, and most importantly, to the Veterans we are honored to serve," Lapuz said.