Eric K. Shinseki, a retired Army general, was sworn in Thursday as the seventh Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

His agenda includes using information technology to bring the department into the 21st Century.

Shinseki plans to develop a 2010 budget within his first 90 days in office that includes President Barack Obama’s goal to transform the VA into an organization that is “people-centric, results-driven and forward-looking.”

“The overriding challenge I am addressing from my first day in office is to make the Department of Veterans Affairs a 21st Century organization focused on the nation’s veterans as its clients,” he said.

One of the key issues on his agenda is leveraging information technology to accelerate and modernize service. He said he also wants to streamline the disability claims system.

“I applaud the nomination of General Shinseki as Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  His past leadership as Chief of Staff in the Army coupled with his brave service as a four-star general will bring a new energy to the Department and bring hope to our veterans,” said Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.).

Shinseki takes the reins of a 284,000-employee organization. He will be working under a $98 billion budget authorized this year through networks of regional benefits offices and healthcare facilities from coast to coast.

Shinseki succeeds James B. Peake.