4 Things You Need To Know About The New Head Of The VA

President Barack Obama accepted the resignation of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki today, an enormous development in a widening scandal.

But Shinseki’s departure puts the burden of leadership squarely on the shoulders of Sloan Gibson, the former deputy secretary of Veterans Affairs, who is now acting Secretary.

Here’s what you need to know about Gibson:

1. He is an ex-Army Ranger

Gibson earned both his airborne and Ranger qualifications in the U.S. Army, where he served as an infantry officer after graduation from West Point.

2. He ran the United Sevice Organization

Before his appointment to the VA, Gibson spent five years as the president and chief executive officer of the USO, a prominent nonprofit that provides morale-boosters and entertainment to service members and their families.

3. He has experience in the private sector

In 2004, Gibson retired as chief financial officer and chairman of AmSouth Bancorporation, a now defunct finance and insurance company.

4. He has been at the VA less than six months

The Senate confirmed Gibson on Feb. 11 of this year, giving him just 108 days of experience in the organization he now leads.

It’s unclear how long Gibson will serve as interim secretary — Obama expressed a desire to name a replacement quickly — but for now, Gibson’s at the helm.