The director of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Buffalo, NY, regional office recently faced allegations that she improperly collected donations for an events fund, misused VA promotional items and attempted to influence a hiring effort.
An investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Administrative Investigations Division involved the interviewing of Donna Mallia, director of the Buffalo regional office, as well as Lillie Nuble, assistant director, and other employees including an administrative assistant and support services division chief.
The first allegation revolved around the managing of a preexisting Division Chief Fund that accepted voluntary funds from division chiefs, assistant chiefs and non-bargaining unit employees for items such as coffee and donuts, to observe birthdays, to recognize employees or to hold luncheons where government funds could not be used.
Certain employees felt the fund did not come across as voluntary, but they were unaware of any consequences for not paying in. The investigation found that, while payments were collected for appreciation events, there was no evidence of funds being inappropriately used for personal gain. The OIG’s suggested Mallia confer with human resources to determine the fund’s continued appropriateness.
The investigation also looked into the purchasing history and distribution of VA promotional items under Mallia’s watch and found that they were acquired with non-payroll funds previous to a memorandum disallowing such acquisitions, were stored appropriately and were not misused when given under the Wellness is Now and Buffalo Bucks Incentives promotional programs. However, the Office of General Counsel stated that the purchase and awarding of these items be phased out.
Finally, allegations leveled at Mallia of interference and preferential treatment during a position recruitment and the improper acceptance of a gift from a subordinate were found to be unsubstantiated and were dismissed.
All allegations were closed.
The entire report can be viewed on the VA OIG’s website.
