WASHINGTON – Pamela M. Iovino was sworn in as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs on November 30.
She had previously served as deputy assistant secretary for legislative affairs and had been acting assistant secretary since January 16.
"Pamela Iovino's extensive experience will help VA achieve legislative goals to improve VA programs and ensure responsiveness to our legislative partners' needs, including constituent services," VA Secretary Anthony J. Principi said. “Her leadership and wealth of knowledge will assist us in serving America’s veterans.”
Iovino leads a staff of 40 as the head of VA's congressional and legislative affairs offices, serving as principal advisor to Principi on legislative matters. Among other duties, Iovino maintains relationships with members of Congress and their staff members, provides them timely information, promotes VA's legislative agenda and coordinates VA participation in congressional hearings.
Prior to her VA appointment, Iovino served as a captain in the U.S. Navy. She began her Navy career in March 1980 when she completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and was commissioned as an ensign. She was assigned to Naval Weapons Station in Concord, Calif., as the air launch missile maintenance officer. She was then assigned to Naval Intelligence Command as a watch officer at the AntiTerroristAlertCenter.
In June 1987, Iovino entered the Training and Administration of Reserve Program and was assigned to Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Six as the manpower and training officer. Upon completion of this tour of duty, she reported to Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center Toledo as the commanding officer. While serving as commander, Ms. Iovino was selected for the NavalWarCollege.
A native of Pittsburg, Pa., Iovino received her undergraduate degree in political science from GettysburgCollege in 1978 and a master of arts degree in national security and strategic studies from the NavalWarCollege in November 1993. After graduation, she was selected to join the staff of the director of Naval Reserve as Legislation Liaison Branch head. She later served on the staff of Secretary of the Navy, Office of Legislative Affairs.
From April 1998 to September 2001, Iovino commanded Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Centers in Pittsburgh, Ebensburg, Pa., and Moundsville, W.Va. She was then assigned to the office of the Commander, Naval Network Warfare Command. Iovino retired from the Navy in 2003.
Her military decorations include the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two gold stars in lieu of third award), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal (two awards) and Armed Forces Reserve Medal.
