Acting CFO
Defense Health Agency
Colonel John W. Lee serves as the acting Chief Financial Officer at the Defense Health Agency, managing a $47 billion budget supporting the Military Health System mission. He previously held the position of G-8 / Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Resource Management at the U.S. Army Medical Command and Office of the Surgeon General, overseeing a $12.5 billion operating budget.
Colonel Lee's leadership was instrumental in navigating complex medical reforms, strategic transformations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. He developed initiatives to mitigate over $500 million in programmed decrements while supporting critical readiness initiatives. His expertise in financial management led to the successful execution of both Operations and Maintenance (Army) and Defense Health Program accounts, achieving 100% execution for the first time in USAMEDCOM history.
As Director of Program Analysis and Evaluation, Colonel Lee influenced resourcing policy and successfully reversed recommendations that would have negatively impacted Army medical facilities. In his current role at DHA, he has led efforts resulting in record-high obligation rates and secured additional resources to ensure uninterrupted healthcare operations.
Colonel Lee's strategic vision has been crucial in overhauling financial processes and governance structures within the Military Health System, establishing more agile and dynamic systems.