ADVA Commissioner Kent Davis resigns

Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commission Kent Davis has resigned from his position.

Governor Kay Ivey said she and members of her senior staff met with Commissioner Davis Monday. Davis’ last day will be December 31, 2024.

As Action 8 News reported, Ivey said her request came after alleged mishandling of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal grant program by proposing uses of grant funds that would be ineligible under U.S. Treasury rules and regulations and/or state law or policy.

Gov. Ivey said this put in jeopardy the State of Alabama’s ability to fulfill its obligation under ARPA and the agency’s ability to effectively serve veterans.

Governor Ivey released the following statement to Action 8 News:

“Caring for our country’s veterans is something I have been passionate about throughout my life, and especially throughout my tenure as lieutenant governor and now as governor. Alabama veterans are a priority for the Ivey Administration, and we cannot let anything stand in the way of their care. Our meeting with Commissioner Davis today was respectful, frank, and informative, with both sides gaining new perspective and insight about the challenges each of us face in fulfilling our respective roles. I appreciate Commissioner Davis’s record of service as Commissioner, and I appreciate him doing the right thing for our state and the future of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. As I have said before, we have important work to continue doing, and I want to see nothing get in the way of us remaining focused on the thing that truly matters here – improving veterans’ care.”

Ivey also removed John Kilpatrick from his position as a member of the State Board of Veterans Affairs.

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs released this statement regarding today’s meeting:

“Today, Commissioner Kent Davis had a very cordial and informative meeting with Governor Ivey and her senior staff. This matter has been resolved to the mutual benefit of all parties and we are all looking forward to the dedication of the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise on Friday.”

As a result of Davis’ resignation, Governor Ivey said the special called meeting that was supposed to be held on Tuesday has been canceled.

Governor Ivey said she will work with the fellow members of the State Board of Veterans Affairs to make preparations for filling the position of State Service Commissioner when it becomes vacant at the end of the year.