The Senate confirmed Robert McDonald to head the Department of Veterans Affairs last week, just after congressional leaders put together a $17 billion funding bill to help reform the agency.

McDonald takes over as VA secretary with a 97-0 confirmation vote from the Senate floor. Before the vote took place, he faced a friendly hearing before the Committee on Veterans' Affairs where he fielded few questions and was lauded by many on the panel, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. McDonald takes over the organization in the midst of crisis, but brings a fresh perspective and brand expertise, without bringing bias from any healthcare organization.

McDonald, 61 years old, is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. He left the Army as a captain before beginning a 33-year career at Procter & Gamble Co.