The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) is an organization with a history dating back to 1946. In the aftermath of World War II, many veterans earned state and federal benefits which required coordinated efforts to ensure veterans received these entitlements. Thus, states developed a department or agency specifically to manage veterans’ affairs and carry out the responsibility for veteran services and programming.
NASDVA was formed to connect the leaders of these agencies in order to:
- foster the effective representation of persons claiming entitlements on account of the honorable military service of any person as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101;
- provide a medium for the exchange of ideas and information;
- facilitate reciprocal state services;
- secure uniformity, equality, efficiency, and effectiveness in providing services to veterans and their family members in all states and territories; and
- maintain an interest in all veteran legislation.
The NASDVA members represent all fifty states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Nationally, we are the second largest provider of services to veterans and our roles continue to expand.
State directors as leaders of governmental agencies are tasked by their respective governors, state boards and/or commissions with a the responsibility to address the needs of veterans regardless of age, gender, era of service, military branch or circumstance of service. Collectively, states contribute more than $6 billion annually in service of our nation’s veterans and their families. We are connected by the bonds of honorable service and united by our common goal to make a positive difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.
NASDVA President
Terry Prince – Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director
Terry Prince, a 31-year Navy veteran, was appointed Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in April 2021. He leads a team of 1,300 professionals who provide beneficial services for more than 550,000 veterans and their families across Illinois. These services include residential and skilled nursing care in five Veterans’ Homes, Veterans Service Officers across the state, dedicated guidance in seeking federal education benefits, and special programs and events for veterans and their families.
Before joining IDVA, Director Prince served as the Superintendent of the Ohio Veterans Homes where he led 850 employees providing skilled nursing and domiciliary care for veterans at three separate facilities, including the 5th largest Veterans home in the country. After this assignment, he was awarded the department’s inaugural Major General Manning Force Award which recognized his distinguished service in a position of significant responsibility.
Director Prince began his military career in 1986 and served at 14 duty stations globally. His career centered around health care beginning as a dental technician and advancing to the Command Master Chief at Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, NC, and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. He was handpicked as the 1st Senior Enlisted Advisor at the Defense Health Agency in Falls Church, VA, and concluded his 31-year career in 2017 as the 13th Director of the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps and Force Master Chief of Navy Medicine.
Force Master Chief Prince’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and the U.S. Army Order of Military Medical Merit. He is also triple warfare qualified as a Surface, Aviation, and Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist.
Director Prince earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Chapman University and is a graduate of the National Defense University Keystone Leadership Fellowship, Navy Senior Enlisted Academy, and the Navy Command Master Chief course. He is a proud Eagle Scout and finisher of the Ironman Hawaii Triathlon World Championship.
There is a strong history of military service in Director Prince’s family, with his grandfather, three uncles, and two brothers having worn the cloth of our nation. He and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Prince, a 12-year Navy veteran, reside in Will County, IL.
Executive Committee
| Position | Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| President | Terry Prince | Illinois |
| Sr. Vice President | Patrick Farrell | Virgin Islands |
| Jr. Vice President | David Puente, Jr. | Washington |
| Secretary | Brad Lindsay | Minnesota |
| Treasurer | Lonnie Wangen | North Dakota |
| Historian | Gary Harter | Utah |
District Vice Presidents
| District | Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Kasim Yarn | Rhode Island |
| Southeast | Patricia Ross | Georgia |
| Midwest | Todd Jacobus | Iowa |
| Southwest | Robert Ator II | Arkansas |
| Far West | Mary Devine | Nevada |
Past Presidents
| Year | Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | Tim Sheppard | Wyoming |
| 2024-2025 | Dennis Wimer | Indiana |
| 2023-2024 | James S. Hartsell | Florida |
| 2022-2023 | Wanda Wright | Arizona |
| 2021-2022 | Thomas Palladino | Texas |
| 2019-2021 | John Hilgert | Nebraska |
| 2018-2019 | Alfie Alvarado-Ramos | Washington |
| 2017-2018 | Verdie Bowen | Alaska |
| 2016-2017 | Randy Reeves | Mississippi |
| 2015-2016 | David Brasuell | Idaho |
| 2014-2015 | Lonnie Wangen | North Dakota |
| 2013-2014 | Clyde Marsh | Alabama |
| 2012-2013 | Jim Willis | Oregon |
| 2011-2012 | David Fletcher | Arkansas |
| 2010-2011 | Linda Schwartz | Connecticut |