Obama names McDonough as new chief of staff

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama on Friday named Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough his new chief of staff, replacing outgoing Jack Lew.

In a White House ceremony, Obama praised McDonough's work ethic, and said he has relied on the foreign policy aide's advice for years. He replaced Lew, who has been nominated to lead the Treasury Department.

McDonough has been Obama's advisor since 2007, and was reported to be one of Obama's most trusted aides at the White House.

In addition to the chief of staff pick, the White House also announced a slew of senior staff reshuffles at the West Wing, including Lisa Monaco, who would serve as Obama's homeland security and counterterrorism advisor, replacing John Brennan, who was nominated as CIA chief.