The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has a new Assistant Commissioner for Field Operations & Claims.

Commissioner Mike Roby announced his appointment of GDVS Claims & Appeals Director George Canavaggio to the position, effective today.

“I am pleased to make this appointment,” Commissioner Roby said. “George has been an outstanding employee of this department for many years, and I believe he is the right man to lead GDVS Field Operations & Claims. The dedication, knowledge, and experience he brings to this role will ensure Georgia veterans continue to receive the highest level of service from GDVS staff.”

Mr. Canavaggio joined the GDVS in 1998 at the Macon Veterans Field Service Office. He was promoted to manager of that office in 2001. He joined the Claims & Appeals Division in 2003 as a claims and appeals counselor, was promoted to assistant director in May 2013, and to director in December 2013. Prior to joining the GDVS, he was employed by the Georgia Department of Corrections as a firearms instructor.

“It is an honor and a privilege for me to accept this position,” Mr. Canavaggio said. “I greatly appreciate the confidence Commissioner Roby has placed in me, and I look forward to continuing to serve the veterans of Georgia for many years to come.”

Mr. Canavaggio is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served on active duty from 1975-1989, reserve duty from 1989-1994, and retired as a chief warrant officer (CW3). For the majority of his career, he served as a helicopter pilot.

In his new role, Mr. Canavaggio is responsible for the supervision of all GDVS Veterans Field Service Offices and the GDVS Claims & Appeals Division – those areas of the department which directly serve veterans and their families. He will be responsible for ensuring Georgia’s veterans and their families are courteously treated, professionally advised, and successfully assisted regarding their earned benefits.

The directors of the Claims & Appeals Division and the North and South regional divisions will report directly to Mr. Canavaggio, who will report directly to Commissioner Roby. Commissioner Roby, Assistant Commissioner Canavaggio, and Assistant Commissioner Dan Holtz (Administration, Health & Memorials) make up the GDVS senior leadership team.

James Reeves has been named as interim director of the Claims & Appeals Division.

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For more information on the content of this news release, please contact the GDVS Public Information Division at 404-656-5933 or [email protected].