The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) has named Sandra Lucas as its new Deputy Commissioner. Commissioner Jeff Newton announced the appointment on April 16.

In her new position, Lucas will work closely with Newton, taking a leading role in developing strategic plans, policies, and programs to support the department’s operations. She will also provide administrative supervision and offer advice on a wide range of mission support, internal management, and administrative issues.

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“I’m truly honored and grateful for this opportunity,” Lucas said. “This promotion is a testament to the support, mentorship, and collaboration I’ve received from the incredible ADVA team. Veterans have a choice — they can retire anywhere in the world. When they choose Alabama, it becomes our mission to welcome them and support their needs. I volunteered to serve, and I chose Alabama. I’m proud to continue serving in this capacity.”

Commissioner Newton praised Lucas’s appointment.

“Sandra has been an incredible asset to the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, and we look forward to her significant impact in this role. Sandra has a wealth of knowledge in both internal and external strategic planning and implementation, which will only benefit our mission of serving Alabama’s 400,000 veterans.”

Since December 2022, Lucas has served as ADVA’s Assistant Commissioner of Outreach and Engagement. Her career spans military service, government roles, and nonprofit work. She served 16 years in the Alabama Army National Guard and four years in the U.S. Navy, completing three deployments — including assignments with Joint Task Force Guantanamo, Operation Enduring Freedom with the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and the Central Command Combined Air Operations Center Public Affairs.

Beyond her military service, Lucas served as deputy chief of public affairs for the Alabama National Guard in a civilian capacity. She also worked in the Office of the Governor as director of constituent services, military advisor, and deputy chief of staff. During Governor Bob Riley’s administration, she was appointed external affairs officer for the Alabama Emergency Management Agency.

Lucas officially assumed her new position on April 16. She becomes the first woman to hold the Deputy Commissioner role in the ADVA’s history.