FOIA Leadership
John Buck Director, Office of FOIA, Records, and Assessment Compliance
Mr. Buck has a high level of technical and administrative expertise in the area of privacy and records management, as well as a proven track record for managing multiple projects associated with a complex VA environment. Before taking this position, he was acting as the GS-15, Deputy Director for Veterans Benefits Administration, Office of Facilities, Access and Administration. In this position, he directed a large, diverse staff supporting a wide range of privacy and records management programs. He has in-depth knowledge of VA specific infrastructures, such as organizational elements, key contacts, agency specific policies and procedures. He has successfully managed projects and programs in a VA mission critical environment, with praise from his peers and subordinate staff.
Working with various VA work groups and committees, Mr. Buck has contributed significantly in creating a culture of privacy and records management excellence, incorporating technology and legislative policy into good workable practices. He has injected new vigor into these programs, rewarding staff and gaining respect by improving the privacy of the nation’s veterans and employees alike.
Mr. Buck routinely briefs the Chief Information Officer and other senior VA management officials. In addition, he has developed several training courses and participated as an instructor for numerous training sessions.
He received the Senior Fellow designation from the Council for Excellence in Government, August 2008, and he is a graduate of the VBA Leadership Coaching, September 2007, and has numerous sustained Superior Performance Awards and Letters of Appreciation.
Doloras Johnson Director, Veterans Affairs (VA) Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Service
Mrs. Johnson oversees the VA FOIA program responding to requests for records from Veterans, their families, the media and other members of the public under the FOIA. The Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552(a); 38 C.F.R. 1.554, and the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016, which provides the statutory requirements of Federal Agencies to comply with the provisions of the release of information to members of the public. The FOIA encourages accountability through transparency, by providing the public with a way of knowing what the government is doing. However, there are exclusions, certain sensitive information needs to be protected. The FOIA attempts to balance these two positions. The FOIA Statute specifies nine reasons (exemptions) which would prevent the records from being released, personal privacy, classified or proprietary information, attorney/client privileged information among others.
Prior to her current position, Ms. Johnson served as a Senior Government Information Specialist with the VA FOIA Directorate. Ms. Johnson also served as the FOIA manager with the U.S. Marine Corps, National Capital Region, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she re-structured and managed their FOIA programs, resulting in streamlining FOIA processes and significantly reducing Agency backlogs. Because of her contributions she was awarded the Commendation for Meritorious Civilian Service, and numerous other awards for her leadership, and management skills.
Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership.
