Mike Bowers

Mr. Mike Bowers started at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) a year ago after a 30-year career in the active-duty enlisted and officer ranks of the Marine Corps. In his role as the Director of the VA-Department of Defense (DoD) Collaboration Office he plays a crucial role in fostering coordination between the two departments to empower the experience of Transitioning Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

Setting the right tone for the more than 200,000 Transitioning Service Members and their families each year is vital to establishing trust and credibility with VA for a lifetime. By establishing joint priorities firmly centered in Veteran and Service Member needs, his office aims to empower the Transitioning Service Member and provide the coordinated experience they have earned and deserve.

Mr. Bowers’ background in the Marine Corps, as a Joint Qualified Officer, and working in many different areas of DoD fully prepared him for his current role. He spent a career in the combat arms or special operations community, tough command assignments, or high-stakes staff positions and truly understands the importance of the VA-DOD relationship. Some highlights of his career include serving as a Senior Aide to the Secretary of the Navy, Head of Enlisted and Officer Plans and Programs at Headquarters, Marine Corps, and as a Commander during intense combat operations in Ramadi, Iraq. In his last military role, he was responsible for one of the largest Transition Programs in the Department of Defense and learned firsthand where there were unnecessary gaps and opportunities for improvement.

Mr. Bowers knows firsthand the importance of keeping the Veteran at the center of everything we do. Outside of his work at VA, Mike is a commissioner representing the rural area of western Maryland on the Maryland Veterans Commission and is a proud lifetime member and leader in the VFW, Platoon 22, American Legion, Disabled American Vets, Marine Corps League, and MOAA.

Mr. Bowers is currently in the Leadership Maryland Executive Program and holds an Executive Certificate in Facilitation from Georgetown University, Master of Strategy from the Air Force’s War College, a Master of Management from University of Maryland, and was Distinguished Graduate at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA.