Dennis Brack-Pool/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — President Obama Monday formally nominated former Procter & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald as the next head of the Department of Veterans Affairs in hopes of correcting vast systemic problems, including delayed care at VA hospitals across the country.
In tapping McDonald for the post, the president said his nominee “understands that grand plans are not enough — what matters is the operations that you put in place and getting the job done. Bob is an expert in making organizations better.”
Although hired for his management skills, P&G had financial problems during McDonald’s tenure as CEO from 2009 through 2013 and he was eventually replaced by the former P&G executive who held the position before him.
McDonald was a West Point graduate, served five years in the Army, earning the rank of captain, before joining P&G. Recent VA secretaries have been generals and colonels.
According to the White House, McDonald has dedicated time and resources to serving veterans. He’s a significant supporter of the U.S. Military Academy and is a life member of the U.S. Army Rangers Association.
If confirmed by the Senate, McDonald would replace interim Secretary Sloan Gibson, who was hired after Secretary Eric Shinseki stepped down.
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