LITTLE ROCK — The head of the state Department of Veterans Affairs has stepped down, Gov. Mike Beebe’s office announced Monday.
The retirement of Veterans Affairs Director Dave Fletcher was effective immediately, a news release said, adding that the governor and Fletcher met Monday and both agreed it was time for new leadership at the agency.
Fletcher’s resignation comes just days after state lawmakers questioned him about findings in a recent state audit.
The agency, which runs the state’s two veterans nursing homes and the two veterans cemeteries, also has come under fire in recent months for other problems.
The audit, released last Thursday, found unapproved credit card purchases of $1,837, about $200,000 worth of missing or unaccounted equipment and lax budgetary oversight throughout the agency.
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Lawmakers were told that Robyn Clark, the agency’s administrative services manager, was fired after the unapproved credit card purchases for fuel, liquor, pet supplies and beauty products were discovered. The audit findings have been turned over to Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Larry Jegley.
“Dave Fletcher stepped up 5 1/2 years ago when I asked him to take the helm at Veterans Affairs, and I thank him for his service and his dedication to our men and women in uniform,” Beebe said Monday. “However, it’s become evident that new leadership will be best positioned to re-examine practices and policies and to determine how best to manage the department’s finances.”
The governor’s office said Beebe likely will name a new director in a few days.