Outgoing Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs commissioner Kent Davis said on Tuesday that resigning from the role was "not an easy decision."
Davis resigned on Monday, effective December 31.
"I want to first thank the Veterans community for the outpouring of support and kind notes I have received over the last few days. As reported on Monday, I will step down as the Commissioner of ADVA at the end of the year. After a cordial, informative meeting with Governor Ivey and several members of her senior staff on Monday, the matter has been resolved to the mutual benefit of all parties," Davis said in a statement on Tuesday. "This was not an easy decision, but I am convinced that my decision was the best one given my recent health concerns, the long-term mission of the ADVA, and, most importantly, the outstanding military Veterans of Alabama. I remain proud of the great work and propriety that the ADVA team has accomplished over the past nearly six years of my tenure as Commissioner. Governor Ivey summed it up best when she spoke of the challenges of fulfilling our respective roles, and I am very grateful for the great discussion we had on Monday."
Ivey asked for Davis' resignation on Thursday, effective September 30, and removed John Kilpatrick from the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs. In the resignation request, Ivey said the agency mishandled an ARPA grant program. Davis had previously declined to resign and said in a statement on Friday, "I respectfully disagree with the inaccurate claims made against the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs."
Davis filed an ethics complaint against Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) commissioner Kim Boswell in August for allegedly preventing ADVA from obtaining $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Alabama Ethics Commission later dismissed the complaint.
Davis, who retired from the Navy with the rank of Rear Admiral, has served as ADVA commissioner since 2019. Multiple Alabama veterans organizations opposed Davis' removal.
"My time as Commissioner has been some of the best years of my civilian career. The best part was meeting the men and women who have served and the families who sacrificed for the freedoms we have. I am grateful to have had this opportunity. One of the most significant accomplishments during my tenure will be celebrated later this week as we dedicate the Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins State Veterans Home in Enterprise. This has been a seven-year project that I am grateful to see through the ribbon-cutting of this incredible facility," Davis said. "And yet, as I reflect on my nearly six years as Commissioner, I also acknowledge that more work is needed. There are always new and constructive ways to support Alabama's Veterans. I look forward to completing this year with that goal in mind, and I will continue to apply the same passion and purpose for the next few months that has become expected."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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