MARION - The acting network director for Veterans Affairs has been spending a considerable amount of time in Marion of late.

James Floyd said Friday he has visited the VA Medical Center in Marion three times in the last month. As Director Warren Hill's immediate supervisor, Floyd is overseeing a strategic plan that would lead to the resumption of inpatient surgeries at the facility by the end of this calendar year or in January.

"We're in the process of recruiting a chief of staff and chief of surgery and that takes some time," Floyd said, adding that the nursing staff is already in place. There are also a couple of surgeon positions to fill, he said.

Floyd said he has spent time meeting with Marion employees, patients and veteran service organizations and has received an abundance of positive comments about the facility and treatment provided.

"More than anything, I want to make sure I'm visible in the clinics and the hospital," he said. "I feel that's my role as a network director. Leadership is the key."