95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Snyder names Redford head of state veterans agency

michigan.gov

Governor Rick Snyder has made James Robert Redford's interim role at the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency permanent.

Redford was appointed the MVAA's interim director in February, after the release of a Grand Rapids Home for Veterans audit that found medication, personnel, reporting and safety issues.

The audit also cited improper handling of client complaints, including those for abuse and neglect.

Former Director Jeff Barnes resigned following the report's release.

State officials say several improvements have been made at the facility since Redford’s appointment, including the creation of five new nursing positions and better controls in its care system.

Officials say all complaints at the home are now addressed within a 24-hour period and resolved in 72 hours.

"There is still more work to be done," Redford says in a statement, "and we will get it done by everyone working together on the goal we all share: the best possible care for our veterans."

Redford served in the Navy for 28 years, retiring as a captain in 2012.

He was a Kent County Circuit Court judge from 2002 to 2014 and became Michigan’s chief legal counsel in 2015.

Hilary is a General Assignment and Enterprise reporter for WGVU Public Media. She joined WGVU in September 2014 after several years of experience as a local news reporter, anchor and photojournalist in Midland, Saginaw and Bay counties. She's also worked as a financial and business reporter and audio field producer.
Related Content