The Department of Veterans Affairs has named longtime administrator Glen Grippen as the third interim executive to oversee the Phoenix VA Health Care System since it became the hub of a national crisis over mismanagement and delayed care.

Grippen is being brought out of retirement to replace acting Director Glenn Costie on Nov. 17 as head of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and its Arizona satellite clinics. The facilities serve about 80,000 veterans.

"Mr. Grippen is an exceptionally talented leader who will guide the Phoenix VA Health Care System as we continue to improve access and the quality of care for veterans in the Phoenix area," said Lisa Freeman, acting network director. "He has the experience and skills to lead the Phoenix VA Health Care System during this critical time."

The Phoenix leadership has seen a revolving door since Sharon Helman was suspended as director in May following the release of a VA inspector-general

report that held her responsible for manipulation of patient appointment data and other problems.

Grippen is a former director of the VA hospital in Milwaukee, and also has served as an assistant deputy undersecretary at department headquarters. He retired in 2011 as director of the VA's Rocky Mountain regional network after four decades of employment.

Griffin is expected to fill a one-year term instead of the three-month stint prescribed for fill-in directors.

Helman remains on paid leave pending a proposed termination. Members of Congress and veterans advocates have demanded to know why she remains on the federal payroll. VA administrators have responded that there is an ongoing criminal investigation and they must respect Helman's personnel rights under federal law.

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