WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lolita Zinke, wife of U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Montana, on Tuesday was appointed to President-elect Donald Trump’s Veterans Administration landing team. In this role she will assess the agency top to bottom in order to identify opportunities for overhaul and improvement during the first 100 days of the forthcoming presidential administration.

“Nothing is more near to my heart than caring for our troops. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve in such a crucial part of this administration,” Lolita Zinke said in a prepared statement. “As a military wife and mom, I have personally seen the challenges that our veterans and our men and women in uniform face when dealing with the VA. There are many changes that need to be made to ensure that those who fight for our country are getting the care they need and deserve. I am excited to be part of such a pivotal moment for them.”

Congressman Zinke, of Whitefish, said his wife is the “most intelligent and caring person I know.

“I am so proud of the work she did throughout President-elect Trump’s campaign (she served on the campaign’s Hispanic and women’s outreach committees) and I am even more proud to see her hard work and dedication recognized by the future administration. She understands the Veterans Administration on a deeply personal level and there is no doubt in my mind that she will help to create a smooth transition between administrations and make sure that President-elect Trump keeps VA reform one of his top priorities.”

Mrs. Zinke has law degree from the California Western School of Law. She owned and operated Acanthus Antiques from 1995 to 1999 and since 2001 has worked as a property and asset manager. She is a board member of the Great Northern Veterans Peace Park in Whitefish.

Congressman Zinke met Lolita when he was an officer in the Navy SEALs and she was working as the local bilingual public defender. They have three children and two grandchildren.