Chadwick lester | va northern arizona health care | veterans affairs

Chad Lester joined Northern Arizona VA Healthcare System (NAVAHCS) in July 2024 as the Deputy Associate Director of Patient Care Services (DADPCS),  a role that involves oversight of patient

care operations, staff management, and quality assurance.  Prior to joining NAVAHCS, Mr. Lester was the Chief Nurse over Emergency Department/Clinical Decision Unit/Patient Flow Services at

North Texas VA Healthcare System (NTVAHS). Since coming into the VA healthcare system in 2016, he has served in various rolls from Nurse Manager in the ED, Assistant Chief Nurse of Sterile

Processing, and detailed Chief Nurse of Mental Health while being the Chief Nurse of the ED.  Prior to joining the VA, Mr. Lester has various leadership roles from manager of Care

Coordination and Transition of Care for UT Health System (Level 1 Trauma Center), Manager of ED at Baptist Health System, Chief Nurse over a Combat Support Hospital, and ED Supervisor at LSU

Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center).  Mr. Lester served over 23 years in the military where he retired in 2015 from the Army Reserves that included active-duty time in the United States Marine

Corps.  Major (Retired) Lester served two tours of duty during OIF/OEF campaign. In 2004-05, served as a trauma nurse/flight nurse for the 228th Combat Support Hospital in Mosul, Iraq. 

There he distinguished himself by earning Combat Air Calvary Spurs and Meritorious Service Medal as a 1st Lieutenant. In 2009-10, he served as a Civil Affairs Operator Team Lead on a PRT

(Provincial Reconstruction Team) at a Combat Outpost in Eastern Afghanistan. There he distinguished himself by earning the Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star Medal.  Living a dual civilian

and military career, he is a passionate and driven leader who has shown his ability to build teams, engage staff, and address veteran needs. Mr. Lester believes compassionate and quality

care for veterans starts with attention to detail, patient centered care, and dedication to getting the work done. His demonstrated record of effective team building, strategic planning, and

collaborative improvement of quality outcomes.  Mr. Lester believes development of emerging leaders and empowerment of nursing staff improves care and perception of care delivered.   Mr.

Lester graduated from University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ in 2015 with a Master’s in Healthcare Administration. In 2007, Mr. Lester graduated from Natchitoches, Louisiana with a Bachelor’s in

nursing. Mr. Lester graduated from Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana in 2001 with a Associate Degree in Nursing.