The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that Chief of Staff Chris Syrek will leave the department for a private-sector role, with his last day set for February 13. Curt Cashour, currently VA Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs, will take over as chief of staff.
Syrek has served as chief of staff since January 20, 2025. He played a central role in guiding VA Secretary Doug Collins through the Senate confirmation process and led the department's presidential transition. Previously, Syrek was deputy chief of staff during the first Trump Administration.
During Syrek’s tenure under President Trump and Secretary Collins, the VA reported several key achievements: reducing the backlog of veterans waiting for benefits by 60% after a previous increase; eliminating the backlog for veteran families seeking health care; processing a record three million disability claims in one fiscal year; opening 25 new health care clinics; offering more than 1.9 million appointments outside normal hours to improve access; and permanently housing nearly 52,000 homeless veterans in fiscal year 2025.
“Chris has been a key part of our leadership team and my most trusted advisor since day one. He’s done an amazing job helping us make the department work better and delivering on President Trump’s promises to those who have worn the uniform,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “We thank Chris for his dedicated service and wish him the best in his future endeavors. We welcome Curt into his new role and look forward to many more VA improvements under the leadership of President Trump.”
Cashour is returning to a senior position at VA after previously serving as press secretary and deputy assistant secretary for public affairs during the first Trump Administration. He assisted with communications during Collins’ Senate confirmation and has experience leading congressional communication efforts on significant VA reform legislation. Cashour is also an Iraq War veteran and Bronze Star Medal recipient.
