Denis McDonough has been nominated by Joe Biden to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for his administration. #MindfulSkeptics #BoyceLittlefield #JoeBiden #Veterans #VA On December 10, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced his intention to nominate McDonough to serve as United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs in his incoming administration. Denis Richard McDonough (born December 2, 1969) is an American political and government official. He was the 26th White House Chief of Staff, succeeding Jack Lew at the start of President Barack Obama's second term, and serving in that role throughout that term. Previously, McDonough served as Deputy National Security Advisor from 2010 to 2013 and as Chief of Staff of the National Security Council from 2009 to 2010.