Denis McDonough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denis McDonough
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Official portrait, 2021
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| 11th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office February 9, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Robert Wilkie |
| Succeeded by | Doug Collins |
| 26th White House Chief of Staff | |
| In office January 20, 2013 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Jack Lew |
| Succeeded by | Reince Priebus |
| 25th United States Deputy National Security Advisor | |
| In office October 20, 2010 – January 20, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Thomas E. Donilon |
| Succeeded by | Antony Blinken |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Denis Richard McDonough
December 2, 1969 Stillwater, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Karin Hillstrom |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | St. John's University, Minnesota (BA) Georgetown University (MS) |
Denis Richard McDonough (born December 2, 1969) is an American government official. He served as the 11th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2021 to 2025. He held this important role under President Joe Biden.
Before that, he worked for President Barack Obama. He was chief of staff at the National Security Council from 2009 to 2010. He also served as Deputy National Security Advisor from 2010 to 2013. Later, he became the White House Chief of Staff for President Obama's second term, from 2013 to 2017.
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Early Life and Education
Denis McDonough was born in Stillwater, Minnesota, on December 2, 1969. He grew up in a large family with 10 brothers and sisters. His family had strong Irish Catholic roots. His grandparents had moved to the U.S. from Connemara, Ireland.
He graduated from Stillwater Area High School in 1988. Then, he went to Saint John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He played safety on the Johnnies football team. His coach, John Gagliardi, is in the College Football Hall of Fame. His team won two conference titles.
McDonough earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Spanish in 1992. He graduated with high honors. After college, he traveled a lot in Latin America. He also taught high school in Belize. In 1996, he earned a Master of Science degree from Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Career in Government
From 1996 to 1999, McDonough worked for the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs. He focused on issues in Latin America. After that, he became a senior foreign policy advisor to Senator Tom Daschle. When Senator Daschle lost his reelection in 2004, McDonough became the legislative director for Senator Ken Salazar. He also worked as a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress in 2004.
In 2007, Senator Barack Obama's main foreign policy advisor, Mark Lippert, was called to serve in the military. Lippert asked McDonough to take his place during his time in Iraq. McDonough continued to advise Obama on foreign policy during his 2008 presidential campaign.
Working for President Obama
After Obama became president, McDonough joined his team. He led strategic communication for the National Security Council. He also served as the National Security Council's chief of staff.
On October 20, 2010, President Obama announced that McDonough would become Deputy National Security Advisor. He took over from Thomas E. Donilon. McDonough was seen in famous photos from the White House Situation Room. These photos were taken in May 2011 during the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden.
On January 20, 2013, at the start of Obama's second term, McDonough was named his White House Chief of Staff. In February 2013, McDonough asked lawmakers to quickly approve Chuck Hagel and John O. Brennan for their roles. He was worried about delays in forming Obama's national security team. McDonough remained White House chief of staff until the end of Obama's second term on January 20, 2017.
After the White House
In 2017, McDonough joined the Markle Foundation. This group works to improve job opportunities in the digital age. As a senior principal, he helped the organization grow. He worked with states like Colorado and universities like Arizona State University. He also partnered with companies such as LinkedIn.
McDonough also became a professor at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. He was also a visiting senior fellow at Carnegie's Technology and International Affairs Program.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2021–2025)
President Joe Biden chose McDonough to lead the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This department helps military veterans. He spoke before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on January 27, 2021.
On February 8, the Senate approved McDonough as VA Secretary. The vote was 87 to 7. Vice President Kamala Harris officially swore him into office on February 9. McDonough was the second person without military experience to hold this position. He served as Secretary until January 20, 2025.
Personal Life
Denis McDonough is married to Karin Hillstrom. They have three children together.
See also
In Spanish: Denis McDonough para niños
