President-elect Joe Biden intends to nominate Denis McDonough to run Veterans Affairs.
McDonough, who did not serve in the military, is a longtime aide of former President Barack Obama and served as his chief of staff from 2013 to 2017.
McDonough was chosen because of his ability to navigate crises and sort through the complex morass of government programs that can support veterans, a source familiar with the president-elect's thinking told NPR.
The source spoke on condition of anonymity about private conversations.
The Veterans Affairs position would require Senate confirmation.
News of McDonough's selection was first reported by Politico and later confirmed by NPR.
NPR veterans correspondent Quil Lawrence contributed to this report.
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