VA SENIOR ADVISOR, CHERYL MASON HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS INSPECTOR GENERAL
President Donald Trump has nominated Cheryl Mason, a VA senior advisor, to take on the role of VA inspector general. The role of inspector general is pivotal in ensuring accountability and transparency within the VA. Mason's nomination follows after President Trump announced the dismissal of 17 inspector generals from various agencies (Housing & Urban Development, Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, etc.) earlier this year. Learn more about Cheryl Mason, and how others are responding to her nomination.
Meet Cheryl Mason, VA Inspector General Nominee
Cheryl Mason brings a lengthy career within the Department of Veterans Affairs to her new role as VA inspector general. She currently serves as a senior advisor to VA Secretary Doug Collins, a position she assumed in February of 2025.
Prior to her current role, Mason was the Chairman of the Board of Veterans' Appeals from November 2017 to August 2022. She was the first woman to hold this position.
During her time as chairman, she implemented technology and changed management strategies to increase decision output and reduce the backlog of legacy appeals.
Her career with the VA spans nearly three decades. She began her career around 1990, assuming roles such as Veterans Law Judge and Counsel.
Mason is the wife of a retired Air Force officer, and a daughter of military Veterans. She has been a vocal advocate for military spouse employment opportunities and mental health awareness.
She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Psychology from Ohio Northern University and her J.D. from Creighton University School of Law. In March 2025, she was nominated to serve as assistant secretary in the VA's Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection.
What Does the VA Inspector General Role Entail?
The Veterans Affairs inspector general is tasked with conducting independent audits, investigations, and inspections to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement within the VA's vast programs and operations.
The position maintains the integrity of services provided to Veterans.
What Others Are Saying About Cheryl Mason’s Nomination
Earlier this year, Trump appointed Cheryl Mason as a senior advisor to the VA secretary. Her shift in positions from admin to inspector general has elicited concerns about her ability to be an independent voice on department decisions.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee ranking member, has been a vocal critic. In a statement responding to the nomination he said, “A Trump political acolyte like Cheryl Mason is exactly the wrong choice to be the VA Inspector General, a role requiring nonpartisan, independent oversight.”
He went on to say, “Veterans deserve an inspector general who will conduct investigation free of interference and collusion from Collins and the Trump administration. Otherwise, we will be putting Veterans at even greater risk of corruption and abuse of power.”
Critics of Mason have noted that she has been involved in the department’s efforts to trim the VA workforce size, raising concerns about the actions she will take in this position.
In a testimony before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Collins hinted that Trump would soon move to fill the currently vacant watchdog post, as it has been deemed as “a high priority.”
At this time, no timeline has been announced for Cheryl Mason’s confirmation hearing.
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