A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) team of three has been recognized for excellence and innovation in federal service as a result of recent progress on the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App that has expanded and evolved the mobile app’s features based on veterans’ needs, including those with sight loss. The Team, consisting of Deputy Chief Technology Officer Christopher Johnston, Product Lead Rachel Han, and Design Lead Ryan Thurwell, was selected from among more than 530 nominations as one of 25 Management Excellence finalists for the 2024 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies).

The finalists are recognized for outstanding contributions to safety, public health, and sustainability across the nation and the world and have been placed in the running for the People’s Choice Award.

The Health and Benefits App has become a lifeline for veterans, offering seamless access to critical health care and benefits information. Born out of a commitment to an exceptional digital experience to meet the diverse needs of its users, particularly those with disabilities, the app now has more than 2.2 million downloads. The innovation connects veterans with their care teams and with the benefits they have earned, anytime and anywhere.  It enables veterans everywhere to manage appointments, view claims, message their doctor, and refill prescriptions more easily.

“This Sammies recognition underscores VA’s dedication to driving meaningful change and improving the lives of veterans through cutting-edge technology,” explained Kurt DelBene, VA Chief Information Officer. Since its inception in 2002, the Sammies have honored nearly 800 outstanding federal employees.

For more information on the 2024 finalists and the People’s Choice Award, or to access the voting, which can be done more than once for this award, click here. Votes by BVA members and their families for the VA team would be not only a show of support but a recognition of their dedication and the importance of modernizing public service to better serve veterans and their families. Within the large panel of finalists in 25 frames, the VA team is located in the first row, third column.