Denis McDonough most recently served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2021 to 2025, leading the federal government’s second-largest agency with a $370 billion annual budget and more than 450,000 employees. Under his leadership, VA saw year-over-year increases in the number of Veterans receiving care and benefits, higher satisfaction with health services, and significant progress in reducing Veteran homelessness—nearly 48,000 Veterans were placed in permanent housing in 2024 alone. Known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to service, Denis also previously served as White House Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama, overseeing domestic and national security policy, government performance, and the recruitment of top talent across federal agencies.
My hopes and dreams for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are to help produce a fantastic USA Games and elevate a movement that is as strong and inspiring as our athletes!
A Minnesota native, Denis began his public service career in senior leadership roles in Congress before holding key national security positions in the White House, including Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor. He has also served as a professor at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs and worked in the private and nonprofit sectors to advance economic opportunity in the digital age. Currently, Denis is a scholar in residence at St. John’s University in Minnesota. As a longtime Special Olympics volunteer, Denis is honored to support the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and looks forward to helping produce an unforgettable event that elevates the movement and celebrates the power of inclusion.