Discover Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Discover has 6 executives leading key functions including operational remediation, business strategy, technology risk oversight, and executive administration.

Focused on delivering robust financial solutions, Discover maintains a commitment to excellence in direct banking and payment services across the United States market.

Leadership Roles at Discover

  • Executive AssistantBank President - Bernadette Donohue
  • Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation - Ashley McGuire
  • Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff - Christopher Gibbs
  • Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff - Stacy Cohen
  • Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff - Laurie Certo
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Jennifer Goff
  • Bernadette Donohue - Executive AssistantBank President

    Bernadette Donohue, the Executive AssistantBank President at Discover, directs the operational support for the leadership of the banking division. Donohue manages the complex scheduling and administrative requirements that enable the Bank President to focus on strategic growth. By coordinating high-level meetings and facilitating communication with key stakeholders, the Executive AssistantBank President ensures the smooth operation of the Direct Banking segment. Bernadette Donohue oversees the preparation of critical documentation and reports that inform the decision-making process for credit card and deposit product strategies. This leadership role involves maintaining the integrity of executive communications and ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader corporate goals. Through the efficient management of the office of the Bank President, Donohue contributes to the overall stability and success of the organization. The Executive AssistantBank President maintains a focus on operational precision and professional excellence in every aspect of the role.

    Ashley McGuire - Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation

    Ashley McGuire, the Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation at Discover, directs the structural integrity of internal remediation protocols. McGuire architects complex frameworks to ensure compliance across the Direct Banking segment. By aligning operational workflows with regulatory requirements, the Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation mitigates systemic risk within the credit card and lending divisions. Ashley McGuire manages cross-functional teams to optimize the efficiency of remediation efforts, ensuring that all consumer lending products adhere to strict internal standards. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine risk management strategies. Through the implementation of rigorous operational oversight, McGuire strengthens the overall stability of the organization. The focus remains on maintaining high-quality service standards while navigating the evolving landscape of consumer finance in the United States.

    Christopher Gibbs - Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Gibbs, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff at Discover, drives the long-term planning initiatives for the Payment Services segment. Gibbs coordinates strategic alignment between the Discover Network and broader corporate objectives. Overseeing the execution of high-level business goals, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff ensures that resource allocation supports sustainable growth in the competitive credit card market. Christopher Gibbs facilitates communication between executive leadership and operational departments to streamline decision-making processes. This role requires constant analysis of market trends to identify new opportunities for the expansion of deposit products and personal lending services. By fostering a culture of strategic agility, Gibbs enhances the competitive positioning of the firm. The Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff maintains a focus on delivering value to shareholders through disciplined execution and innovative product development strategies.

    Stacy Cohen - Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff

    Stacy Cohen, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff at Discover, manages the strategic roadmap for the Direct Banking segment. Cohen architects initiatives that expand the reach of certificates of deposit and money market accounts. By analyzing consumer behavior, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff optimizes the product suite to meet the evolving needs of individual banking clients. Stacy Cohen collaborates with senior leadership to integrate new technologies into the existing banking infrastructure. This leadership role involves driving efficiency across all consumer lending operations, including home equity and student loans. Through the application of data-driven insights, Cohen ensures that the company maintains a strong market presence. The Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff supports the overarching mission of providing accessible financial services while maintaining rigorous standards of operational excellence and fiscal responsibility.

    Laurie Certo - Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff

    Laurie Certo, the Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff at Discover, directs the integration of technology risk management into the core business strategy. Certo oversees the advisory functions that protect the digital infrastructure supporting the Discover Network. By identifying potential vulnerabilities in payment processing systems, the Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff ensures the security of consumer transactions. Laurie Certo coordinates with technical teams to implement robust risk mitigation protocols that align with corporate objectives. This leadership role involves advising the C-suite on the intersection of technological innovation and regulatory compliance. Through the management of complex risk advisory frameworks, Certo safeguards the operational continuity of the firm. The Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff maintains a focus on securing the future of digital banking services.

    Jennifer Goff - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Jennifer Goff, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Discover, manages the administrative and strategic operations of the executive office. Goff facilitates the execution of corporate priorities across both the Direct Banking and Payment Services segments. By streamlining communication between the executive team and the broader organization, the Vice President, Chief of Staff ensures that all departments remain aligned with the company mission. Jennifer Goff oversees the development of internal policies that support the growth of personal loans and checking account services. This leadership role involves managing high-stakes projects that require cross-departmental cooperation and precise execution. Through the optimization of executive workflows, Goff enhances the overall productivity of the leadership team. The Vice President, Chief of Staff maintains a focus on fostering a culture of accountability and excellence, ensuring that the firm continues to deliver superior financial products to a diverse consumer base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Discover Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Discover?
    Discover is led by Bernadette Donohue (Executive AssistantBank President), along with executives such as Ashley McGuire (Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation) and Christopher Gibbs (Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Discover’s executive team?
    The executive team of Discover includes leaders such as Bernadette Donohue (Executive AssistantBank President), Ashley McGuire (Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation), Christopher Gibbs (Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Discover have?
    Discover has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Discover’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Discover includes roles such as Executive AssistantBank President, Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation, Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff, Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff, Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff.