22 to Watch in RI in 2022: Larry Connell
GoLocalProv
22 to Watch in RI in 2022: Larry Connell
With Rhode Island’s hospitals in flux at best and chaos at worse, the VA Hospital may be the most stable.
In his short time in Providence, he has tried to add resources for veterans, including more focus on mental health services.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTConnell, who grew up on Aquidneck Island, attended the University of Rhode Island and served more than 30 years as an Army medical service officer, including 15 years as a medical evacuation helicopter pilot.
Directly before returning he served as the Chief of Staff for the Veterans Health Administration in Washington, D.C.
He also served as the Acting Medical Center Director of the Washington, DC VA Medical Center.
He is a retired U.S. Army colonel, where he served as the Deputy Chief of Operations, Joint Cyber Center, United States Pacific Command.
His career has seen almost every aspect of combat, medical service, and efforts to improve health systems. His military awards include the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster award and two Air Medals. He is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and he has a Master’s degree from Troy State.
Additionally, Connell served as the Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Regional Medical Command, Honolulu, Hawaii; the Chief Executive Officer of Stuttgart U.S. Army Medical Health Clinic; the Commander of the 43rd Area Support Medical Battalion; and other medical-related staff positions.
Look for much more from the VA in Providence under Connell's leadership.