WEST CHESTER — A graduate of Lincoln University’s Human Services master’s degree program has been named the new permanent head of the Chester County Department of Veteran Affairs.
Susanne Fink, who had served as the department’s acting director since August, was appointed by the commissioners to lead the agency that assists military veterans in accessing a variety of social services.
Fink, who received her degree from Lincoln with honors in 2008, will lead a department that has a budget of $515,751. She replaces former director Susan Price.
Commenting on the appointment, commissioners Chairman Josh Maxwell, Vice Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz and Commissioner Eric Roe said in a press announcement that, “Susie Fink brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to Veterans Affairs and the many programs and services provided by the department that support veterans and their families.
“For the past five years, she has served as a mental health diversion specialist for the County’s Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and was an integral part in the planning and implementation of the County’s Crisis Intervention Team, which trains law enforcement partners to work better with individuals with a mental health condition in the community,” the trio said.
“Susie is well-respected for her work within the behavioral health field, which has included collaborations with the County’s Department of Veterans Affairs,” they added. “Such is her affinity to supporting veterans, Susie accepted a position on the Chester County Veterans Advisory Council at the beginning of this year. She is the ideal person to lead the team at the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Chester County Department of Human Services Director Pat Bokovitz also commented on the recent appointment: “Susie Fink understands the complex issues that veterans often face when returning from active service, and she appreciates the importance of helping veterans access all the services they are entitled to receive.
“That understanding and appreciation comes from her own military family experiences: her father served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, her husband is a retired Army veteran, her stepsons are veterans, and her uncle is a Marine veteran. Susie will serve our veterans well.”
In addition to her master’s from Lincoln, Fink holds bachelor’s degree in social work and biblical studies from Cairn University in Langhorne, Bucks County.
Chester County’s Veterans’ Affairs department connects veterans with services and benefits they may be eligible for, such as health care, education, assistance with substance abuse disorder or mental health issues, and compensation for injuries or disabilities. The department also works with local VA organizations, VFWs, American Legions, and the Coatesville VA Medical Center.
Staff in Veterans’ Affairs and Chester County’s Veterans Advisory Council host outreach events around the county throughout the year to raise awareness among veterans about the benefits they are eligible to receive.
To find out more about the services provided by the department go to chesco.org/veterans or call 610-344-6375.
Top contact staff writer Michael P. Rellahan call 610-696-1544
