Jeffrey L. Newton
Interim Commissioner

Brigadier General Jeffrey L. Newton (Retired) became the Interim Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) on October 22, 2024. He previously served as the Assistant Commissioner for Operations and Chief of Staff for the ADVA, with the primary mission of assisting the nearly 400,000 Alabama Veterans, families, and survivors to receive from the state and federal government all benefits to which they may be entitled to under current laws.

Prior to joining the ADVA in February 2021, he was the Director of the Joint Staff of the Alabama National Guard responsible for joint military operations relating to State and National emergencies. His 41-year military career with the United States Air Force and the Alabama Air National Guard included numerous overseas deployments with the 117th Air Refueling Wing located in Birmingham, Alabama, supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle.

His major military awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals, and the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal. In November 2021, he was inducted into the United States Air Force’s Enlisted Heritage Hall – Wall of Achievers. He is a graduate of Samford University and Auburn University.