Veterans Canteen Service (VCS)

Leadership

Office of the Director 

Renee Claypool
Acting Executive Director
Veterans Canteen Service

In June 2026, Renee Claypool was detailed to the position of Acting Executive Director, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). She is responsible for delivering the VCS benefit to 9 million Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. She leads the strategic direction and financial self-sustainability of this Veterans benefit. Ms. Claypool leads a Veteran-facing organization with 2,600 fellow Canteen Associates who deliver its service mission of "providing reasonably priced goods and services essential to their comfort, health, and well-being" in a personalized experience across the VA healthcare system, which includes 200 PatriotStore, Cafe, and Brew locations in VA Medical Centers and Community Based Outpatient Clinics.

As Acting Executive Director, Ms. Claypool ensures that Veterans Canteen Service remains aligned with, and actively advances, the strategic priorities of the Veterans Health Administration. These priorities include delivering the VCS benefit to America's Veterans, serving more than 40 million patrons annually, maintaining the Service's financial self-sustainability, promoting High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles and Whole Health, and strengthening VCS as an employer of choice. Through these efforts, VCS continues to reinforce and enhance VHA's broader mission and strategic plan while providing measurable value to Veterans and the VA healthcare system.

Prior to her assignment as Acting Executive Director, Ms. Claypool served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) from 2022-2026. Ms. Claypool joined the Veterans Canteen Service in 1998 as a Food Supervisor. In 2000, she was promoted to Assistant Canteen Chief, and in 2004 promoted to Canteen Chief, Columbia, MO.

Ms. Claypool earned her professional certification in Leadership for a Democratic Society from the Federal Executive Institute in 2017.

CAREER CHRONOLOGY:

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS:

Federal Executive Institute, Leadership for a Democratic Society

Kevin Campbell
Acting Chief Operating Officer
Veterans Canteen Service

In June 2026, Kevin Campbell was appointed Acting Chief Operating Officer (COO), Veterans Canteen Service (VCS), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In this leadership role, Mr. Campbell oversees key central office divisions that are integral to the operations of 200 PatriotStore, Cafe, and Brew locations across VA Medical Centers and Community Outpatient Clinics nationwide.

Mr. Campbell brings a wealth of business acumen and extensive experience in financial management and operations. Before his current role, he served as Chief Financial Officer for VCS, directing accounting, financial planning and analysis, balance sheet management, corporate treasury functions, and statutory compliance. Since joining VCS in 2016 as a Supervisory Accountant in Accounts Payable, Mr. Campbell has held pivotal positions, including Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accountant, where he consistently delivered superior results and initiated process enhancements to improve efficiency.

Before joining VCS, he gained extensive experience in financial management with FedEx's international accounting division in Memphis, Tenn. Additionally, Mr. Campbell served as a high school algebra teacher at an "at-risk" school in Memphis, demonstrating his dedication to community and youth development.

A retired United States Navy officer, Mr. Campbell honorably served for 20 years, retiring in 2009. His distinguished military career instilled the discipline, responsibility, and adaptability that continue to guide his professional journey.

CAREER CHRONOLOGY:

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS:

2012             Certified Public Accountant
2012             Master of Science, Accountancy, University of Memphis
1989             Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, United States Naval Academy

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