Jimmy Anderson
Deputy Secretary, VA Operations
Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
James “Jimmy” Anderson brings a career shaped by military service, national security, veterans advocacy and public service to his role as Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families. His commitment to service began in childhood as he heard stories of his grandfather's (namesake) service in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the Pacific during World War II. Growing up his parents taught him resilience, responsibility, and the importance of helping others. Their example shaped his belief that opportunity, service, and support can change lives, a lesson that guides his work on behalf of Maryland’s veterans and military families.
Anderson began his Air Force career as an enlisted Airman in aircraft maintenance before commissioning as an Intelligence Officer. Over more than 15 years in uniform on active duty and in the reserve, he has served in tactical, operational, and staff roles across the Air Force Intelligence enterprise. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and completed several temporary duty assignments in support of theater operations. He continues to serve in the Air Force Reserve at Headquarters Air Force, where his assignments have included Strategic Analyst for Joint Cyber Effects and Branch Chief for Intelligence collections.
Anderson served as the Senior Advisor for Veterans and Military Family Engagement at the White House under President Biden, where he led national outreach and engagement to veterans and military-connected organizations. He played an integral role in the Administration’s efforts surrounding the historic passage of the PACT Act. He previously served as Deputy White House Liaison and Special Advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In that capacity, he advanced interagency coordination, enterprise modernization, and drove key policy and political appointment personnel efforts.
In the private sector, Anderson was an Associate Partner at IBM Consulting. He led client growth and enterprise strategy for a $370M portfolio helping advance digital modernization, healthcare transformation, and workforce innovation. He built partnerships with government executives and industry leaders to deliver solutions that improved services for veterans. Additionally, Anderson launched a national partnership series connecting IBM with nonprofit organizations that support military families and the broader veteran community.
Additionally, Anderson’s academic background includes selection as a Fulbright Scholar to Canada and service as a Visiting Fellow with the Centre for International and Defence Policy. He is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has held fellowships with the Center for a New American Security and the Truman National Security Project. He holds degrees from Queen’s University, American University, and the University of South Carolina, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Jimmy’s story is also a Maryland story. He has lived and served across the country, but he is proud to call Maryland home. As Deputy Secretary, he oversees the statewide service and benefits program, cemeteries, memorial affairs, intergovernmental relations, and legislative affairs. His focus is on continuing to advance a coordinated, modern, and compassionate system of support for every veteran, service member, and military family in Maryland.
He lives in Montgomery County with his wife and children.