VetComm CEO Kate Monroe Joins VA Secretary Doug Collins in Roundtable Discussion on VA Improvements

Kate Monroe, the CEO of VETCOMM, was in the nation’s capital last week to sit in on a roundtable discussion with Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins following a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing. As a veteran herself and with her experience working one-on-one with thousands of America’s heroes, she shared with Collins her ideas on how to improve the VA to better serve veterans.

The hearing, held on May 6, featured testimony from Secretary Collins and drew bipartisan scrutiny over proposed staffing cuts and department reforms. Monroe, a prominent advocate for veterans, sat in the front row behind Collins during the high-profile proceedings.

The hearing, marked by heated exchanges, centered on the Trump Administration’s plan to reduce the VA workforce by up to 15%, a move that has sparked concern among lawmakers from both parties about potential impacts on veterans’ services.

The hearing, marked by heated exchanges, centered on the Trump Administration’s plan to reduce the VA workforce by up to 15%, a move that has sparked concern among lawmakers from both parties about potential impacts on veterans’ services.

In a recent interview, Monroe stated, “I sit on one side of the aisle, so to me, it appeared like a lot of grand standing and gaslighting for the entire time I was there. It was interesting to hear from both sides of the aisle, but I have to say, what a calm, collected and articulate man he is. I was so impressed that he stood in the face of that adversity and stood up for veterans, constantly bringing the conversation to what’s good for veterans.”

Following the hearing, Monroe was among a select group invited to a closed-door roundtable with Collins at the VA’s headquarters. The session, which lasted several hours, provided an opportunity for Monroe to discuss the department’s challenges and propose solutions directly to the secretary. She presented seven actionable recommendations aimed at addressing inefficiencies and improving outcomes for veterans navigating the VA system.

“He was really trying to get down to the heart of what veterans actually need,” she said. “I was able to talk to him one-on-one. They’re looking for solutions. They don’t want the status quo.”

During the roundtable, Collins also recorded a message for veterans, urging calm amid reports of workforce reductions and emphasizing the administration’s commitment to rooting out fraud, waste and abuse within the VA. Collins, who has been in over for just over three months, reiterated that reforms are ongoing and that the department is seeking input from a broad array of voices to ensure veterans’ interests remain paramount.

VETCOMM's Role in Future VA Policy

“I would say to all veterans that this is a man who deeply cares about your success,” Monroe said. “Let’s give him a chance. Let’s not get so bent out of shape with what you’re hearing in the media. Listen to what he’s saying. Listen to what his plan is for you.”

Her participation in the hearing and roundtable highlights VETCOMM's growing influence in national conversations about veterans’ benefits and the future of the VA. As the VA moves forward with its restructuring plans, Monroe and organizations like VETCOMM are poised to play a critical role in shaping policies that affect millions of veterans nationwide.