After initially resigning, the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis has been asked by the ADVA Board to reconsider and continue leading the department. The decision came after a tangled dispute with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, an ethics complaint against ADMH’s leader, and allegations of mishandling federal funds. Governor Kay Ivey had accepted Davis’ resignation, but criticized the board’s actions as “orchestrated theater” and a “lack of leadership”.
The board voted to ask Davis to rescind his resignation and refused to accept his resignation letter, citing their exoneration of him from any wrongdoing related to federal funds. Davis, who showed gratitude for his years of service to veterans, expressed his dedication to helping them.
Despite some pushback from board members, the motion was altered to simply ask Davis to reconsider his resignation, which was unanimously approved. The tension between the departments of Veterans Affairs and Mental Health stemmed from a dispute over the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds for veterans’ services.
Davis has been leading the ADVA since 2019 and is a retired U.S. Navy officer. The developments surrounding his resignation have highlighted internal conflict and the importance of supporting veterans in Alabama.
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