Governor Tina Kotek announced her appointment of Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels to direct the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) pending Senate confirmation. Dr. Daniels has been serving as the ODVA interim director since October of last year, after previously serving as deputy director.

“Dr. Daniels is a talented, dedicated public servant who will bring strong leadership to the director’s office,” said Governor Kotek. “Her experience in the U.S. Army and multiple executive branch positions equip her well to serve Oregon’s veterans with the persistence and compassion the role demands.”

“I am honored and deeply committed to serve Oregon’s veterans, our true American heroes. They deserve the utmost quality in services and benefits tailored to their unique needs,” Dr. Daniels said. “I am grateful and humbled for the opportunity to lead the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and I pledge to carry out this important work with diligence, dedication, and duty.”

Dr. Daniels served in the Finance Administration of the U.S. Army for eight years before working at the Maryland Transportation Administration, then known as the Maryland State Highway Administration. She then relocated to Oregon and worked at the Oregon Department of Energy in 2015. Soon after, she was tapped by former Governor Kate Brown’s administration and served in multiple roles, including as a Veterans Affairs Advisor and Director of Equity and Racial Justice, while concurrently serving as the deputy director of the Oregon Youth Authority.