Doug Collins

Personal details

Full name

Douglas Allen Collins

Education

University of North Georgia; New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School

Spouse

Lisa Collins

Children

Three

Prior office

U.S. House, Georgia (2013–2021)

Office

Secretary of Veterans Affairs (since February 2025)

Education and religious/military service

Collins studied political science and criminal justice, earned a master of divinity and later a law degree. He worked as a Baptist pastor, practiced law and served as a military chaplain, including deployment to Iraq in 2008–2009. VA’s official biography says he retired from the Air Force Reserve chaplaincy on May 16, 2026.

Georgia legislature and Congress

Collins served in the Georgia House from 2007 to 2013, then represented Georgia’s 9th congressional district in the U.S. House from 2013 to 2021. In Congress he participated in Judiciary Committee oversight and prominent 2019 impeachment debates, reflecting a publicly documented legislative history separate from later VA administration.

VA leadership and relationships

The Senate confirmed Collins to lead Veterans Affairs February 4, 2025; he was sworn in the next day. His connections include the congressional Republican leadership and committee system, Trump through presidential appointment, and the federal VA. A prior committee relationship does not establish ongoing private coordination.

References

1. Department of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins official biography
2. U.S. Senate, 2025–26 nominations and confirmation record