Leadership Team
Gail Graham | 515-699-5850
Director
Ms. Graham is an accomplished and creative executive, whose vision has guided the Department of Veterans Affairs in many critical areas including health information management, informatics and analytics, and as medical center director. Ms. Graham currently serves as the Director for the VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VACIHCS). During this assignment, Ms. Graham’s enthusiasm and engagement has fostered innovation and quality improvements throughout the health care system. Due to Ms. Graham’s leadership and extensive corporate knowledge of VA programs, VA Central Iowa has made significant improvements in quality measures and is ranked among the top 5 VA facilities in customer service. Ms. Graham also serves as the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) Service Line Director liaison for the Laboratory Service line. Ms. Graham is the recipient of many honours including multiple recognitions from the American Health Information Management Association and has been recognized for her innovations in health informatics.
Thomas E. Green, DO, MMM, MPH, MRO, CPE, FACEP, FACOEP-D | 515-699-5850
Chief of Staff
Dr. Thomas Green is Chief of Staff at VA Central Iowa Health Care System. He started with VACIHCS in April 2017 as the Associate Chief of Staff for Education (with oversight of all health profession trainees and programs) as well as the Medical Director of the Emergency Department. Dr. Green is residency-trained and board-certified in Emergency Medicine. Prior to joining the VA he was an Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine as well as having previously served as a Medical Director of an Emergency Department in the private sector. Dr. Green received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Green also holds a Master of Public Health degree from The Ohio State University as well as a Master of Medical Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University – Heinz College. He is a Certified Physician Executive (CPE) as well as Medical Review Officer. Dr. Green is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Distinguished Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians.
Amy Dawson | 515-699-5850
Associate Director, Patient Care Services/Nurse Executive
Amy Dawson became Acting Nurse Executive at VACIHCS in June 2016 and has been with the VA for one year. Ms. Dawson obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 2003, Masters of Science in Nursing with Administration Focus in 2008. Prior to her VA career, she served as the Chief Clinical Officer at a community hospital in Iowa with oversight for nursing, central sterilization, pharmacy, radiology, laboratory, therapies, substance abuse treatment center, long term care facility, infection control, employee health, education, risk management, and credentialing. Ms. Dawson has past active memberships in IHA, APIC, AORN, Iowa Organization for Nurse Leaders, AONE, council member for two IHA councils, ASHRM- graduate/ past Member of IHA leadership program, Carroll county leadership program and Carroll County Young leaders. Additionally she has certifications of CNOR (certified nurse of operating room), BC-NE (board certified nurse executive, and a mentor certification here at VA. Clinical certifications include ACLS, BLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, PICC, past Chemotherapy/Biotherapy.
Sara Ackert | 515-699-5850
Associate Director of Resources
