Calling him “an expert on making organizations better,” President Barack Obama on Monday nominated former Procter & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs as it attempts to recover from troubling reports of widespread mismangement.
“This is not going to be an easy assignment, Bob knows that," Obama said. "But like any Army Airborne Ranger, Bob has a reputation for being ready, jumping into tough situations, taking charge and going all the way."
If confirmed by the Senate, McDonald would succeed Eric Shinseki, who resigned last month after reports of long delays for veterans seeking medical care in VA facilities throughout the country. A report from the VA’s inspector general found some veterans died while awaiting treatment.
"At the VA the veteran is our customer, and we must all focus, all day, every day on getting them the benefits and the care that they so earned," McDonald said.
IN-DEPTH
- Robert McDonald: Can the Procter & Gamble CEO Clean Up the VA?
- VA Audit Finds 100,000 Veterans Facing Long Wait for Health Care
- After Shinseki: How to Cure the VA's Dysfunctional Health Care System
- Andrew Rafferty
