Events

In November 2021, Patricia Ross was selected as the Commissioner of Georgia Department of Veterans Service (GDVS), supporting Georgia’s almost 700,000 veterans and their families. GDVS provides both federal and state benefits counseling based on military service, operates two state veteran cemeteries and two skilled nursing facilities. GDVS is responsible for veterans receiving $3.8B in compensation and pension annually from the Department of Veterans Affairs Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she established The Georgia Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center (VECTR Center) and served the Chief Operating Officer from 2016 – 2021. The Georgia VECTR Center provides accelerated training in high demand and strategic industries, career counseling, academic advising, employment assistance, entrepreneurship. and in partnership with other state, federal, and community agencies, provides a one-stop-shop to help meet veteran’s needs. Ross also served as the first Director of Military Affairs for the Technical College System of Georgia from 2014 – 2016 where she led state-wide initiatives to expand educational benefits and opportunities for military students at Georgia’s 22 public, technical colleges. After 25 years on active duty in the United States Air Force, Ross retired as a Colonel in October 2014. She culminated her career as the Vice Commander of the 78th Air Base Wing, Robins Air Force Base where she led the management of facilities and equipment valued at $3.5 billion and the execution of a $161.8 million operating budget supporting over 55,000 active duty, reserve component, civilians, contractors, retirees, and family members. Prior to her selection as Vice Commander, she served as the Deputy Director for Manpower, Personnel and Services for Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command also at Robins AFB.