<p> CONTACT: FOR Heather Frantz, IMMEDIATE Public Affairs Specialist 412-822-3578 RELEASE www.visn4.va.gov [email protected]</p><p>VA HEALTHCARE - VISN 4 SELECTS LEADER OF $2 BILLION BUDGET James F. Baker Appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Veterans Integrated Service Network 4</p><p>PITTSBURGH – James F. Baker was recently appointed to serve as the Chief Financial Officer for VA Healthcare – VISN 4, after serving as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Business Services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System for six years.</p><p>“I am honored and excited by this challenge to ensure that taxpayer money is used responsibly and in the best interest of Veterans across this VISN,” said Baker. “I have always felt privileged to work for our Nation’s heroes.”</p><p>VISN 4 serves an estimated 1.5 million Veterans throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, New Jersey and Ohio. Operating with a budget of more than $2 billion and employing more than 13,000 staff members, the network is comprised of ten medical centers and 45 outpatient clinics. In fiscal year 2009, VISN 4 facilities treated 309,169 patients and provided over 2.9 million outpatient visits. </p><p>Mr. Baker received an associate degree from the Community College of Allegheny and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Robert Morris University. He began his federal career as a Department of Energy auditor and has worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs for more than 28 years. In his most recent position at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Mr. Baker was responsible for the operation of fiscal, medical cost care recovery, health information management services, utilization review, reports program, telephone operators and patient registration.</p><p>Mr. Baker and his wife, Carole, have two daughters, Stephanie and Alissa.</p><p># # #</p>