

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.