- Office of the Inspector General
Media Contact for Inspector General Shapiro Names New Director of Veterans’ Services
Carrie Kimball, Communications Officer
Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro today swore in Ted D. Louis-Jacques to serve in the newly-created position of Director of Veterans’ Services for the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
The Director of Veterans' Services position was created under the general MGL Chapter 12A authority of the Inspector General. Mr. Louis-Jacques will have responsibility for oversight of services provided to veterans by the Commonwealth and its municipalities.
The elevation of veterans’ services to a cabinet-level Secretariat earlier this year warranted the creation of a veteran-focused position at the OIG, as the Bureau of Program Integrity, the unit within OIG with oversight of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, no longer had direct jurisdiction and oversight. IG Shapiro believes that oversight of services provided to veterans is a critical responsibility of the OIG.
“Ted’s experience as an U.S. Army veteran and his experience in local government provides the necessary perspective to ensure that government works for veterans,” Shapiro said. “As the Commonwealth puts a greater focus on veterans’ services, it is vital that the OIG deepen its ability to monitor and scrutinize these programs to ensure that public resources earmarked for veterans are accessible by our veterans and are providing the quality of service envisioned by the Legislature and the Administration.”
In addition to his military service, Louis-Jacques served as the Director of Veterans’ Services for the City of Somerville where he oversaw the implementation of a veterans-only vaccination clinic in partnership with surrounding communities. He also coordinated the first-ever visit of the Vietnam Moving Wall to Somerville.
“I am humbled to guide the path of compassion and accountability for our veterans and their families in the Commonwealth.” said Louis-Jacques. “As I embark on this new journey, I pledge to uphold that sacred duty of safeguarding the well-being of our veterans with steadfast advocacy, commitment, and excellence.”