New Staff Assignments

Sent: Friday, 24 October, 2025 13:00

Subject: Disability Adjudication Personnel Announcement

To: All DA Employees

It is my privilege to announce that Jim Parikh, currently the Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Disability Adjudication, is now the Head of Disability Support for Disability Adjudication. Within Disability Support, the following leadership changes will take effect, along with the establishment of the units that will comprise our newly formed organization:

Jennifer Thompson, currently the Regional Management Officer for Southeast, is now the Acting Executive Director for Disability Innovation.

James van der Schalie, currently the Associate Commissioner for National Disability Determinations, is now the Executive Director for Disability Solutions.

Hank McKnelly, currently the Associate Commissioner for Hearings, is now the Executive Director for Disability Governance.

Jeffrey Kirkwood, currently the Executive Director for Appeals, is now the Executive Director for Disability Compliance.

LeRoy Weeks, currently the Assistant Associate Commissioner for Office of Management, is now the Executive Advisor for the Flexible Support Division (FSD).

In Appeals, Lucinda Davis, currently Deputy Associate Commissioner for National Disability Determinations, is now the Head of Requests for Review. Claudia Postell, former Deputy Commissioner for Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity, is now the Head of Civil Actions. …