MN Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke has announced that there will be changes in leadership at the Hastings Veterans Home. In a memo sent to Department employees, Commissioner Herke is quoted as saying, “MDVA is committed to a positive work environment for all employees and values the health and safety of our Veterans above all. I am aware of ongoing issues that have been raised at the Hastings Veterans Home. I have decided to go in a different direction with the Home’s leadership. The last day for Deputy Commissioner Douglas Hughes and Hastings Veterans Home Administrator Mike Anderson was March 18. MDVA thanks them for their service. We will be moving forward with new leadership at the Hastings Veterans Home, and we are looking forward to continuing to make positive changes in the service of our Veterans. MDVA has initiated a search to fill both positions.” According to a press release, current Programs & Services Deputy Commissioner Brad Lindsay will transition to the Interim Deputy Commissioner of Healthcare. Craig Smith, a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator who has served as Interim Administrator at several Minnesota Veterans Homes in the past, will assume the interim role of Hastings Veterans Home Administrator.
