The hard-working, devout close confidant -- currently deputy national security adviser -- will serve as the president's right-hand man.
President Obama will officially tap Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough to become his next chief of staff Friday afternoon, turning to a member of his close inner circle to fill one of the most important jobs in his administration. He replaces Jack Lew, who Obama has nominated for Treasury secretary.
Here's what you need to know about McDonough:
A broad portfolio: McDonough, 43, is the No. 2 to National Security Adviser Thomas Donilon and has a broader portfolio than his title suggests. As an adviser to Obama's 2008 campaign, McDonough has had a lot of face time with the president. He has been a part of the decision-making on a huge range of national security issues, from Asia policy, to Afghanistan, to the Arab Spring, to Europe and Latin America. He was among the small group of aides in the room in May 2011 when Obama was monitoring the Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
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No-drama style: A native of Stillwater, Minnesota, McDonough is even-tempered and is known within the White House as someone who is not a showboater. Those qualities that are highly valued by Obama, a fellow Midwesterner who, dating back to his campaign, prefers to keep drama and ego clashes to a minimum on his team.