A North Alabama veteran who once served with the Navy’s Blue Angels is stepping into a new leadership role with the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
According to ADVA, Chris Phillips has been appointed District I manager, overseeing veterans service offices across 17 North Alabama counties.
In the role, Phillips will help oversee staffing, workplace standards, training and claims-processing operations for county offices throughout District I. He will also coordinate with the department’s Director of Field Operations on employee training and quality control procedures.
“Chris has earned the respect of both his colleagues and the veterans he serves through his steady leadership and unwavering dedication to Alabama’s veteran community,” ADVA Commissioner Jeff Newton said. “He brings valuable experience, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the support they deserve. I look forward to seeing the continued impact he will make as District Manager and the positive influence he will have across the region.”
Phillips retired from the U.S. Navy in 2019 as a Petty Officer First Class before joining ADVA in 2021 as the veterans service officer for Fayette, Pickens and Lamar counties. Earlier this year, he was named Veterans Advocate of the Year for 2025.
During his Navy career, Phillips served aboard the USS Porter, USS Kennedy, USS Enterprise and USS Bataan. He also served with the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Blue Angels, from 2010 to 2013.
Phillips later served with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit from 2013 to 2016, where he earned his Master Training Specialist designation.
District I includes veterans service offices in Blount, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lamar, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Winston and Walker counties.
ADVA operates 64 Veterans Service Offices statewide, helping veterans and their families file claims and access federal, state and local benefits earned through military service.
