Anthony Principi

Anthony Joseph Principi (born April 16, 1944) is an American attorney and former naval officer who served as the fourth secretary of veterans affairs in the administration of President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2005. He chaired the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, BRAC and is currently a consultant and board member of several diverse foundations and corporations.

Early life Principi was born in the East Bronx on April 16, 1944. He grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey and attended St. Anastasia School there during his younger years. He graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy in 1962 as the school's top athlete and student council president. In 1967, Principi graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He first saw active duty aboard the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy. Principi later served in the Vietnam War,

Career

Veterans affairs Principi speaking to soldiers in IraqFrom 1984 to 1988, Principi served as Republican chief counsel and staff director of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. He was the Veterans Administration's assistant deputy administrator for congressional and public affairs from 1983 to 1984, following three years as counsel to the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He chaired the Federal Quality Institute in 1991 and was chairman of the Commission on Servicemembers and Veterans Transition Assistance established by Congress in 1996.

Principi served as Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, from March 17, 1989, to September 26, 1992, when he was named Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs by President George H. W. Bush. He served in that position until January 1993.

Armed services Following his VA appointment, Principi served as Republican chief counsel and staff director of the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services.

On March 15, 2005, President George W. Bush appointed nine members to serve on the 2005 BRAC Commission, with Principi serving as the chairman. In October 2015, Principi was elected to the board of directors of Imprimis Pharmaceuticals.