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.
