Former Microsoft executive and long-time Seattle-area technology leader Kurt DelBene has retired from his position as the Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, concluding a public service tenure aimed at modernizing the digital infrastructure of one of the federal government’s largest agencies.
As reported in the article “Former Microsoft exec Kurt DelBene retires from high-tech role at Veterans Affairs” by GeekWire, DelBene stepped down last week after more than two years in his role. Appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2021, DelBene was tasked with spearheading the VA’s Office of Information and Technology during a critical period of digital transformation. His departure was confirmed by a VA spokesperson, though no successor has yet been named.
At the VA, DelBene oversaw an ambitious agenda that included the modernization of technical systems, expansion of cybersecurity protections, and enhancement of digital services available to millions of U.S. veterans. His work involved managing a vast IT portfolio, coordinating the efforts of more than 8,000 employees and contractors, and addressing challenges related to electronic health record integration and infrastructure upgrades.
Prior to his tenure in government, DelBene held a number of senior roles at Microsoft, including Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Planning. He previously led the development of Microsoft Office and was part of the company’s senior leadership team under CEO Satya Nadella. In a notable earlier stint in public service, DelBene was recruited during the Obama administration to help fix the troubled launch of HealthCare.gov, drawing praise for his operational acumen and crisis management.
In a statement cited by GeekWire, VA Secretary Denis McDonough praised DelBene’s commitment and leadership, describing him as a “defining force” behind the agency’s digital transformation efforts. “We are grateful for his service to our veterans and our nation,” McDonough said.
DelBene’s work at the VA dovetailed with broader federal efforts to implement agile, user-centered design principles in government technology. He advocated for iterative development models and was a champion of the VA’s push to adopt DevSecOps practices—a blend of software development, security, and operations aimed at accelerating development while maintaining security standards.
His exit comes at a time when the VA continues to face scrutiny over the rollout of its multi-billion-dollar electronic health record modernization program, a project that has encountered budget overruns, technical glitches, and concerns over impacts to veteran care. While DelBene had championed improvements in the program, his departure leaves open questions about who will now lead these complex initiatives forward.
Industry observers credit DelBene with introducing a more strategic, data-driven culture at the VA’s Office of Information and Technology, where he emphasized measurable outcomes and greater alignment with mission goals. His combination of corporate experience and understanding of government operations made him a unique figure in the intersection of tech and federal service.
DelBene has not announced any future plans following his retirement. As federal agencies continue to confront technological debt and evolving cybersecurity threats, his leadership at the VA is likely to serve as a reference point for future reform efforts aimed at modernizing critical public-sector systems.
