Obama names security aide McDonough as chief of staff

President Barack Obama has tapped Denis McDonough, a key foreign policy aide, as his new chief of staff, the White House announced Friday.

The move is part of a reshuffle of the White House team as he seeks to start fresh for a second term.

McDonough has served since 2010 as deputy to National Security Adviser Tom Donilon.

"He has been an indispensable member of my national security team as well," Obama told reporters, announcing the shake-up of his White House staff. "Denis has played a key role in every major national security decision in my presidency, from ending the war in Iraq to winding down the war in Afghanistan, from our response to natural disasters around the world like Haiti and the tsunami in Japan to the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' to countless crises in between, day and night."

McDonough replaces Jack Lew, who has been nominated as treasury secretary.

Obama also nominated Assistant Attorney General Lisa Monaco, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, to be deputy national security adviser and assistant for homeland security and counterterrorism.

"The challenges we face as a country, from rebuilding middle class security to strengthening our national security, are complicated and require thoughtful, comprehensive solutions," Obama said.

The White House posts do not require confirmation by the Senate.