COL (R) Kevin T. Hanretta ’68 is the Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness since December 2013. He facilitates and integrates VA’s comprehensive emergency management “all-hazards” program as VA’s Continuity Coordinator, directs personnel security programs, and law enforcement programs to ensure the Department can continue to perform mission essential functions under all circumstances across the threat spectrum. He has responsibility for VA’s 24/7 Integrated Operations Center, Continuity of Operations (COOP) sites, and serves as VA’s Federal Senior Intelligence Coordinator.
Before coming to VA, Colonel Hanretta retired from the U.S. Army in 1999 with 30 years of service. He served as a Ranger Advisor in Vietnam and is a graduate of Ranger, Airborne, Pathfinder, and Air Assault Schools, and the Army War College.
Born in Cornwall, New York, he graduated from Siena College in 1968 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery. He later earned a Master of Science Degree in Logistics Management
from Florida Institute of Technology. In 2004 he was detailed from VA to the DOD IRAQ Transition Team in BAGHDAD and earned the Secretary for Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service. In 2010, Kevin Hanretta received the Presidential Rank Award for meritorious exceptional career accomplishments and commitment to public service.
Kevin Hanretta is married to the former Patricia Ellington. They have three children James, Shelly, and Jonathan. They are proud Grandparents to Christopher, Zachary, Kalei, Jalann, and Sydney.