Dr. Drew Contreras received his Master of Physical Therapy from Gannon University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   Drew served in a number of clinical settings and operational units throughout his 20+ year military PT career before his retirement, including the first-ever full-time physical therapist at the White House for the Obama administration and returning for the Biden administration.  Currently, he serves on the senior leadership team of the American Physical Therapy Association as the Vice President of Strategic Affairs. There, he works to enhance the physical therapy profession's service and scope of practice and establish alliances and partnerships to advance the profession.

In his capacity as Deputy Senior Advisor, Howard plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of veteran care and support. He provides invaluable counsel to the Secretary and senior leadership, guiding them through a complex landscape of policy and strategic initiatives. With a focus on implementing the Administration's key priorities, Howard is dedicated to driving transformative changes in Community Care and Direct Care, advancing ambitious suicide prevention strategies, tackling the urgent issue of veteran homelessness, and spearheading the modernization of VA Police operations. His efforts aim to create a more supportive, effective, and responsive environment for our Nation’s Veterans. 

Richard (Rick) Marble is a transformational leader at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with expertise in large-scale digital transformation, systems integration, and agile program management. Leveraging advanced skills in enterprise modernization, lean governance, and data-driven strategy, Rick has engineered national innovations that have dramatically improved health care access for Veterans. 

As Solution Train Engineer and Business Owner for External Provider Scheduling (EPS) within the Office of Integrated Veteran Care, Rick leads national collaboration between VA and community health care systems, uniting thousands of providers under a shared mission of Veteran-centered access and seamless scheduling. 

A retired U.S. Air Force Veteran with 26 years of service, Rick brings servant leadership, discipline, and mission focus to every initiative. He is a certified SAFe Release Train Engineer, Product Owner/Product Manager, and Scrum Master, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management from Trident University.

Mark Havran, PT, DPT, ATC, Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, serves as the National Physical Therapy Program Manager within the office of Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Services (RPS).   Additionally, he has served as the Rehabilitation and Extended Care Service Director located at VA Central Iowa Healthcare System in a dual role, prior to full time within RPS.  He has been with the VHA since 2003 and a practicing Physical Therapist since 1995.  

He is currently collaborating in current projects with Primary Care Services, Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning, Women’s Health, Geriatrics and Extended Care, and the Office of Rural Health.  These projects include Physical Therapy in Primary Care, Women’s Health, and Biopsychosocial pain programming.

Recently graduated from the LEADS Capstone Course for Military Health Systems & Interagency Institute for Federal Health Leaders. He served as the President of the Federal Physical Therapy Section from 2014-2020, which included therapists from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Bureau of Prisons, Indian Health Services and VHA.  Dr. Havran was selected for the 2022 American Physical Therapy Associations Federal Innovator Award in 2022.  He also draws from his experience as a certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and previous experience in working with elite athletes.  He has participated in many National, and VISN, and local committees to focus on bridging the gap of knowledge to improve outcomes.