VA Names OIG CIO, Taps Nominee for Department-Wide IT Chief

The Department of Veterans Affairs appointed new technology leadership this week. The agency installed Lance Jenkinson as deputy assistant inspector general for management and administration and CIO at its watchdog office, and the White House nominated Gary Shatswell as assistant secretary for information and technology and CIO.

Shatswell Brings Private-Sector Experience

Shatswell has served as senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins since December 2025. He brings a wealth of experience from the private sector.

Shatswell served as the Group CIO for Unilever Prestige from August 2021 to November 2025. According to his LinkedIn, he was appointed as the group’s first CIO. In that role he built the technology organization from the ground up, establishing centralized IT capabilities, strengthening cybersecurity, privacy and regulatory compliance to reduce enterprise risk. In that role he also developed shared services spanning enterprise systems, data and analytics engineering, AI and digital disruption, innovation and technology operations.

Prior to his role at Unilever, Shatswell served as CIO of Paula’s Choice Skincare, vice president of information technology at Sur La Table, and CIO and vice president of marketing for Sizzling Platter LLC.

“He has a proven record of driving strategic transformation, improving operational performance, and leading high-performing technology organizations,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence wrote in a post on the VA’s LinkedIn page when Shatswell joined the VA in December. Lawrence has been serving as acting CIO.

Shatswell’s nomination awaits Senate confirmation.

Jenkinson is a Government Insider

Jenkinson brings extensive government experience in prior roles outside VA. He served as chief of the War Department’s Training, Compliance and Information Division from April 2024 to April 2026, senior IT and cybersecurity advisor in the Office of the Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness, and in several leadership roles in the Defense Manpower Data Center.

In these roles, Jenkinson led a variety of strategic IT efforts, such as cloud adoption and major tech transformation projects.

As Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Management and Administration and CIO, his responsibilities include IT strategy, cybersecurity and enterprise operations supporting the OIG’s mission. In its oversight role, the OIG conducts audits, investigations and healthcare inspections across the VA.

As CIO, Jenkinson advises the Inspector General on IT and data governance and represents the OIG in department-wide discussions on security and enterprise architecture.

GovCIO Media & Research has reached out to VA for comment.