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 | Todd Hunter (acting) |
| 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 under President Joe Biden. This important role means he helped lead the department that supports military veterans.
Before working for President Biden, McDonough held several key positions in the Obama administration. He was the White House Chief of Staff and also a top advisor on national security.
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Early Life and Education
Denis McDonough was born on December 2, 1969, in Stillwater, Minnesota. He grew up in a large Irish Catholic family with 10 brothers and sisters. His grandparents had moved to the U.S. from Connemara, a region in Ireland.
McDonough went to Stillwater Area High School, graduating in 1988. He then attended Saint John's University in Minnesota. While there, he played safety on the Johnnies football team. His team won two conference titles. In 1992, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Spanish. After college, he traveled around Latin America and taught at a high school in Belize.
In 1996, McDonough continued his education at Georgetown University. He earned a Master of Science degree from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.
Career in Government
After finishing his studies, McDonough began working in government. From 1996 to 1999, he was an aide for a committee in the United States House of Representatives. This committee focused on foreign affairs, especially in Latin America. Later, he became a senior foreign policy advisor for Senator Tom Daschle. When Senator Daschle was not re-elected, McDonough became a legislative director for Senator Ken Salazar. He also worked as a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a research group.
In 2007, Denis McDonough joined Senator Barack Obama's team. He became a senior foreign policy advisor during Obama's presidential campaign.
Working with President Obama
After Obama was elected president, McDonough joined his administration. He first worked at the United States National Security Council. This group advises the President on important issues related to national safety and defense. He was in charge of strategic communication and also served as the National Security Council's chief of staff.
In October 2010, President Obama chose McDonough to be the Deputy National Security Advisor. This role meant he was a top helper to the main National Security Advisor. McDonough was present in the famous photos taken during the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden in May 2011.
On January 20, 2013, as President Obama began his second term, he appointed McDonough as his White House Chief of Staff. This is one of the most powerful jobs in the White House. The Chief of Staff manages the President's daily schedule and staff. McDonough held this position until the end of Obama's presidency in January 2017.
After the Obama Administration
After leaving the White House, McDonough joined the Markle Foundation in 2017. This is a non-profit group that works to improve job opportunities for Americans. He helped the organization grow and work with different governments and companies.
McDonough also became a professor at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. He was also a visiting senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, focusing on technology and international affairs.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2021–2025)
President Joe Biden nominated Denis McDonough to lead the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This department provides services and support to military veterans. He spoke to the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee in January 2021.
On February 8, the Senate voted to confirm McDonough as the VA Secretary. He was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris on February 9, 2021. He is one of only two people without a military background to hold this important position.
Personal Life
Denis McDonough is married to Karin Hillstrom. They have three children together.
See also
In Spanish: Denis McDonough para niños
