Newsmaker: Lovetta Ford

Residence : Crafton

Age : 44

Background : Before her appointment, Ford worked as the mental health manager and homeless program coordinator for the region's Veterans Integrated Service Network since June 2005. She began her career at the Highland Drive VA Medical Center as a clinical social worker and held numerous clinical and supervisory positions at the Pittsburgh Healthcare System, including social work director.

Education : Bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from West Virginia University; post-master's degree in marital and family therapy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Noteworthy : Ford became associate director of the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System on April 24. She'll help oversee a health care system that served 61,750 veterans last year. The system employed 163 physicians and 935 nurses last year and had a research budget of $29.4 million.

Quote : "I am excited for this great opportunity to manage and provide direction, oversight and support. ... In VA, we strive to provide excellent health care in creative yet responsible ways. I am very proud to be a Department of Veterans Affairs employee."