Defense Health Agency Chief Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland Retires Unexpectedly

In an unexpected announcement, the Pentagon confirmed on Friday that Army Lt. Gen. Telita Crosland, who served as the director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), has retired with immediate effect. Dr. Stephen Ferrara, acting assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, expressed gratitude to Crosland for her 32 years of dedicated service, yet did not disclose the reason for her exit.

Crosland’s departure occurs alongside a series of leadership shifts, including the recent dismissals of prominent military figures like Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. “CQ” Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. Her absence came as a surprise, especially since she was set to speak at the AMSUS Society of Federal Health Professionals’ annual conference on Monday.

Throughout her time in office, Crosland managed the successful implementation of the $5.5 billion MHS Genesis electronic health records system and a significant consolidation of DHA’s regional medical markets. Nonetheless, her tenure in leadership was characterized by significant staffing shortages in military hospitals, delays in Tricare referrals, and infrastructure challenges at facilities such as Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The Pentagon has appointed Dr. David Smith, who previously served as assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, as the acting director of the DHA. 

Crosland chose not to offer further remarks regarding her retirement.

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