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Obama Nominates former CEO to Transform VA

President Barack Obama on Monday nominated former Procter & Gamble CEO Robert McDonald to lead the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Image: Proctor and Gamble President and CEO Robert McDonald is pictured at a business roundtable meeting of company leaders in Washington
Proctor and Gamble President and CEO Robert McDonald is pictured at a business roundtable meeting of company leaders and U.S. Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Washington, June 13, 2012. © Jason Reed / Reuters / Reuters

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.

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- Andrew Rafferty