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The director of the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mark Murdock, announced his resignation on Wednesday (February 26) after accepting a buyout offer from President Donald Trump's administration. Murdock, who began his role in July 2023, will retire after his last day on Friday (February 28). The buyout, known as the "Fork in the Road" offer, allows federal employees who resign to retain their pay and benefits until September 30.
Murdock, an Air Force veteran with nearly 40 years of public service, expressed his sentiments in a farewell letter to staff, stating, "My time at the Syracuse VA, though shorter than expected, has only reinforced my belief that this organization is truly special—filled with dedicated people working together to improve the health and well-being of our veterans" as reported by WSYR-TV.
The Syracuse VA Medical Center, which has an annual operating budget of over $300 million, serves more than 50,000 veterans in Upstate New York. Murdock's departure is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce, a plan that has been met with caution by state attorneys general and challenges from federal labor unions. Michael DelDuca, the current associate director, will step in as acting director until a permanent replacement is appointed according to CNYCentral.