Barbara Szymczyk (pronounced "Zim-check") is a 26-year employee of the Veterans' Administration, during which time she has be affiliated with nine hospitals. Currently, she is the Director of Veterans' Benefits at the Asheville VA Hospital and has 133 employees who oversee the benefit program.

Some of Ms. Szymczyk's duties include determinging who is eligible for VA services, the proper fee basis for veterans who apply for treatment at the hospital, and referrals to community services when VA services are not available.