Aleda E. Lutz, Saginaw VA Medical Center Announces New Director Chris Cauley Brings Proven Track Record and Leadership Experience

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher W. Cauley, as the new director of the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Saginaw, MI, effective June 6, 2021. Cauley currently serves as the Associate Director of the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, where he successfully led a task force to improve hiring times to solve a nursing shortage, helped spearhead the acquisition of vital equipment, and oversaw facility redesign to meet emergent needs during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The announcement of his new role as the Saginaw VA Medical Center Director represents a homecoming for Cauley, as he previously served as Saginaw’s Associate Director from 2016 to 2018. Saginaw’s prior Medical Center Director, Dr. Barbara Bates, has retired after more than 25 years of faithful service to our nation’s heroes.

“We are excited to officially name Chris Cauley as the new director of the Saginaw VAMC,” said RimaAnn Nelson, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 10 Director. “Chris has a proven track record of success at VA Medical Centers throughout the nation – including right here in Saginaw. His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will once again be valuable assets to the Saginaw VAMC’s employees, volunteers, and -- most importantly -- to the Veterans we are honored to serve.”

Cauley first joined the VA family in 1995 as a Kinesiotherapist at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville, Illinois. He has since served as a Patient Health Coordinator in Danville, Chief of Prosthetic & Sensory Aids Service in Mountain Home, Tennessee, and Executive Assistant to the Associate Director in Ann Arbor.

Saginaw’s Associate Director Carol Dopp will serve as acting Medical Center Director in Saginaw until Chris moves into his new role on June 6.

After Chris’ departure, from Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor’s current Assistant Director Zana Bouda will serve as the acting Associate Director until a permanent selection is made.