Denis McDonough

Background

Denis McDonough is chief executive of Feeding America. The organization's board announced his appointment on February 25, 2026, effective April 14, 2026. He succeeded Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, who led Feeding America for nearly a decade.

Before Feeding America, McDonough served as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs until January 20, 2025. He was White House chief of staff for President Obama's second term, from February 2013 to January 2017, and before that principal deputy national security advisor.

About Feeding America

Feeding America: Feeding America is a nonprofit that supports a network of food banks across the United States.

Key facts

Role

Chief executive, Feeding America, effective April 14, 2026source

Previously

US Secretary of Veterans Affairs, until January 20, 2025source

Earlier

White House chief of staff, February 2013 to January 2017source

Predecessor

Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, who led Feeding America for nearly a decadesource

Announced as chief executive

Feb. 25, 2026source

Effective date as chief executive

April 14source

Secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA)

Until January 20, 2025source

White House Chief of Staff

February 2013 to January 2017source

Professor of the Practice, Notre Dame University's Keough School of Global Affairs

2017 to January 2021source

WYDE coverage of Denis McDonough

WYDE Newsroom has published one article about Denis McDonough, on Oct 1, 2026. Denis McDonough is a named leader in 1 story. The most recent is Walmart's $15 Million Feeding America Grant Works Out to 3 Cents per Pound of Rescued Food.

Reported alongside Denis McDonough

• Feeding America · in 1 story with Denis McDonough
• Walmart · in 1 story with Denis McDonough

Sources

• Feeding America: Denis McDonough named Feeding America CEO