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Category 2: Delivering Excellence in Digital Services

OFFICE OF 508 COMPLIANCE

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs​

Jessica Forget

Acting Executive Director

Risk and Remediation

Scott Anderson

Information Technology Specialist


Ed Barnett

Information Technology Specialist


Jennifer Barone

Information Technology Specialist


Zachary Battles

Information Technology Specialist


Shanayah Braithwaite

Information Technology Specialist


Renee Brown-Carter

Senior Program Analyst


Alejandro Cachola Jr.

Information Technology Specialist


Amanda Carrigan

Information Technology Specialist


Dandy Diddle

Supervisory Information Technology Specialist


Keven Drake

Information Technology Specialist


George Duthie

Information Technology Specialist


Brian Frederickson

Information Technology Specialist

 Chet Frith

Director


Cristin Ghazarian

Information Technology Specialist


David Hack

Program Analyst


Charles Jones

Information Technology Specialist


Sasikala Paritala

Information Technology Specialist


Sirisha Pariti

Information Technology Specialist


Christopher Walker

Information Technology Specialist

Christina Weymouth

Supervisory Information Technology Specialist


Marcina Williams

 Information Technology Specialist


Atif Zamir

Information Technology Specialist


Carolyn Zeak

Program Analyst

The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Section 508 Compliance is being honored in Category 2: Delivering Excellence in Digital Services for transforming digital accessibility across one of the federal government's largest and most complex technology environments. As VA's centralized authority for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility, the office has embedded accessibility into software development, procurement, governance, and workforce training, ensuring Veterans, caregivers, employees, and the public can more easily access essential healthcare, benefits, and information. Their work has created a more inclusive digital experience for more than one million Veterans with targeted disabilities.

Since its 2022 realignment, the office has expanded accessibility oversight from 300 to 1,200 systems by developing an enterprise Defect Tracking Tool that supports more than 3,400 accessibility audits each year. Through continuous monitoring of 700,000 monthly web scans, covering 93 million page views and nearly one million document downloads, the team dramatically improved web accessibility from 26% to 98.4%. By partnering with Veterans Service Organizations, they also ensured Veteran feedback directly informed improvements, helping remove barriers and strengthen equitable access to digital services. Their leadership earned the 2025 GovFORUM Innovation Award for Accessibility.

The Office of Section 508 Compliance has fundamentally changed how accessibility is delivered across the VA, shifting the organization from reactive compliance to proactive, enterprise-wide inclusion. Veterans now experience fewer digital barriers, greater independence in managing their care and benefits, and more reliable access to critical information. Standardized oversight, faster issue resolution, and continuous monitoring have also improved operational efficiency and accountability for VA employees. Through its commitment to accessibility and customer-focused innovation, the office has established a lasting culture that advances equitable, Veteran-centered service across the department.

© 2026 by Public Service Leadership Academy | 703.431.3701 | Ashburn, VA

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