Aaron Grobengieser

As the Acting Associate Director (Chief Operating Officer) at VA Tennessee Valley (Facility 626), I have successfully navigated through various challenges and emergencies, including the Nashville 2020 tornado, Joint Commission PDA secondary site visit (awarded full accreditation), COVID-19 response (February-July 2020), Chattanooga 2020 tornado, Nashville Pharmacy Fire (evacuation required), and Nashville Freon Leak (evacuation required). In my role as the Resource Management Council chair, I have effectively overseen the FTEE resources during the zero net gain requirement within VA of FY2024 for a $1.7 billion dollar budget at VA TVHS. Additionally, I provide routine coverage for the Deputy Executive Director (SES) position during planned and unplanned absences, showcasing my equivalent of an Executive Vice President position. My expertise in the rollout and implementation of VA Voices at VA Tennessee Valley has been recognized by the Acting Deputy Secretary through a Challenge Coin presentation. I am also proud to be the recipient of the 2017 National Department of Veterans Affairs award for Excellence in Nutrition Leadership, which is given to only one recipient per year for all VA facilities. With my experience as the Acting Assistant Chief of the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Business Office and Chair of the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Patient Centered Care Committee from 2008-2016, I have proven my dedication to providing exceptional care to our veterans. Furthermore, as the Chair of the National N&FS Prime Vendor Subsistence User Group Subcommittee during 2015, I successfully maintained the National Contract for Food Products at all VA facilities across the United States and cost avoided $124M over Fiscal Year 2015. My project management experience and Six Sigma Yellow and Green Belt training have equipped me with valuable skills to drive successful outcomes. Additionally, I am well-versed in employee labor relations, service level recruitment, and executive level recruitment actions. With real-world experience as an Incident Commander for emergency situations, such as a 1-ton volume freon leak within the medical center and a facility fire requiring partial building evacuation (both in July of 2024), I am adept at handling high-pressure scenarios. My training in Incident Command System (ICS) further enhances my ability to effectively manage crises.

• 09/2008 Registered Dietitian
• 12/2006 Nutrition Education Specialist

* Crisis Leadership: Successfully led the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System through multiple major crises, including natural disasters, a facility fire, and the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining operational stability and ensuring patient safety.

* Accreditation Success: Played a critical role in achieving full accreditation from The Joint Commission, demonstrating a commitment to quality and patient safety.

* Financial Stewardship: Chair of Resource Management Council overseeing the FTEE resources during the zero net gain requirement within VA of FY2024 for a $1.7 billion dollar budget at VA TVHS.

* Cost Savings: Contributed to cost-saving efforts across the VHA system, resulting in an estimated $110-$120 million/year savings through participation on the National N&FS Subsistence Prime Vender (SPV) Standardization User Group (SUG).

* National Recognition: Recipient of the 2017 National Department of Veterans Affairs award for Excellence in Nutrition Leadership, recognizing exceptional contributions to the field. Recognized by the Acting Deputy Secretary for roll-out and implementation of VA Voices at VA Tennessee Valley (via Challenge Coin presentation).

* Process Improvement: Improved net cost of meals served from ~$19.00/meal to ~$11.30/meal and improved productivity from ~1.36 meals/productive labor hour to ~2.30 meals/productive labor hour.