Category 3: Using Innovation, Data, and Breaking Down Organizational Barriers

COLIN DEASO

Deputy Director
Veterans Benefits Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Colin Deaso is being honored in Category 3: Using Innovation, Data, and Breaking Down Organizational Barriers for modernizing the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Home Loan Guaranty program while maintaining exceptional service for Veterans during a period of significant market and operational challenges. As Deputy Director, Colin led the program's first major digital modernization, replacing manual loan processes with more automated, data-driven systems that improve accuracy, streamline lender interactions, and enhance the experience for Veterans, employees, and industry partners.

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Under Colin's leadership, the program reduced manual data entry, improved data integrity, accelerated decision-making, and strengthened collaboration with lenders and loan servicers. At the same time, he guided his workforce with transparency and empathy, maintaining employee engagement and ensuring the program continued delivering high-quality service while protecting taxpayer interests. His modernization efforts helped improve operational efficiency and contributed to the program's highest customer experience scores.

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The impact has been substantial. In FY2025, VA guaranteed 474,382 home loans totaling $183.3 billion, while supporting nearly 4 million active VA-guaranteed loans and more than $1 trillion in outstanding principal. The agency also achieved a milestone by guaranteeing its 29 millionth home loan, with 99.8% of Certificates of Eligibility issued within three days, helping Veterans move more quickly through the homebuying process. Through innovation, collaboration, and steadfast leadership, Colin has strengthened one of VA's most important benefits programs, helping more Veterans and their families achieve the stability and opportunity of homeownership.