5 Possible Picks for Permanent VA Chief

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki is the first member of President Barack Obamas cabinetto resign amid scandal and without a permanent replacement at hand.

Another high-profile cabinet change came after the heat of scandal died down Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stayed on board throughout the HealthCare.Gov debacle only to leave months later after the Obamacare enrollment period ended.

Mr. Obama on Friday named Mr. Shinsekis deputy, Sloan Gibson, as acting secretary but didnt say whether he will be nominated as a permanent replacement, which would require Senate confirmation.

Were going to need a new VA secretary, Mr. Obama said Friday.

Heres a look at possible people who could be named to succeed Mr. Shinseki:

Sloan GibsonMr. Gibson, who was confirmed by the Senate in February as Mr. Shinsekis top deputy. A West Point graduate, Mr. Gibson has ahistory of working with veterans groups he was the CEO of the USO prior to joining the VA.

Army Chief of StaffRay OdiernoMr. Odierno led American efforts in Iraq and returned to Washington in 2011. Mr. Odierno hasnt held a civilian post.

Retired Army Gen. Peter Chiarelli Mr. Chiarelli served as the Armys vice chief of staff from 2008 to 2012. He is currently the CEO of One Mind for Research, an organization that works on helping veterans recover from brain injuries.

Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D., Ill.) A longtime ally of Mr. Obama, Ms. Duckworth was an assistant VA secretary from 2009 until she resigned to run for Congress in 2012. Ms. Duckworth, who lost her legs in the Iraq war, is one of five Democrats named last week to the House select committee investigating the Benghazi attacks. She called for Mr. Shinseki to resign on Friday.

Former Sen. Jim Webb (D., Va.) The one-term senator has been in the news recently for floating the idea that hell run for the president in 2016. More likely, but still a long shot, is his joining Mr. Obamas administration. Mr. Webb got an endorsement for the post this week from the News Leader in Staunton, Va.

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5 Possible Picks for Permanent VA Chief