As the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) moves into 2026, the focus has firmly shifted to achieving measurable results. This panel will examine how VA leadership operationalizes artificial intelligence (AI) to modernize IT, enhance governance, and speed up benefits and healthcare delivery—while keeping the mission and public trust at the forefront.

Building on recent perspectives from VA leadership and public discussions by the VA CTO and senior executives, the conversation will highlight how AI is helping close the gap between enterprise efficiency and clinical excellence. By enforcing IT cost discipline and strong data governance, the VA is laying a foundation that supports automated administrative workflows and workforce transformation strategies to directly reduce backlogs.

This shift extends into the exam room and beyond, where AI-powered tools facilitate early intervention, personalized treatment plans, and expanded telehealth services for rural Veterans. By integrating these capabilities across the VA, the entire federal health system, and community partners, the VA is ensuring operational decision-making is as proactive and equitable as the care itself.

Attendees will learn how the VA is moving from AI promise to practical, governed, and mission-focused use cases. We will examine what this shift means for technology partners, acquisition strategies, and the clinical staff's ability to reduce waiting times and increase the number of available appointments for Veterans.

Key Discussion Topics:
• Improving IT consolidation, data readiness, and accountability.
• Leveraging AI for risk identification, remote monitoring, and EHR integration.
• Scaling proactive care and ensuring equitable outcomes regardless of geography.
• Managing workforce change and hiring strategies for an AI-enabled VA.