Discover Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

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

Leadership Roles at Discover

  • Executive AssistantBank President - Bernadette Donohue
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Jennifer Goff
  • 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
  • Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation - Ashley McGuire
  • Bernadette Donohue - Executive AssistantBank President

    Bernadette Donohue, the Executive AssistantBank President at Discover, manages the administrative operations and strategic scheduling for the Bank President. Overseeing the flow of information to the executive office, the Executive AssistantBank President ensures that the Bank President remains focused on critical leadership priorities. Bernadette Donohue coordinates high-level meetings and communications that facilitate the execution of the company's direct banking strategy. By managing the logistical requirements of the executive office, the Executive AssistantBank President supports the efficient functioning of the leadership team. This role involves acting as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment with corporate objectives. Through the meticulous organization of executive workflows, the Executive AssistantBank President drives productivity and maintains the focus of the Bank President on key growth initiatives. Ultimately, Donohue secures the operational efficiency of the executive office, enabling the leadership to effectively navigate the complexities of the financial services industry.

    Jennifer Goff - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Jennifer Goff, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Discover, directs high-level organizational alignment and strategic execution. Managing the intersection of executive decision-making and daily operations, the Vice President, Chief of Staff ensures that corporate initiatives remain synchronized with the broader direct banking goals. Jennifer Goff facilitates communication across internal departments to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. By monitoring key performance indicators, the Vice President, Chief of Staff supports the refinement of consumer lending products and deposit services. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to address complex business challenges while maintaining the integrity of the Discover brand. Through rigorous oversight of administrative processes, the Vice President, Chief of Staff drives operational efficiency. Ultimately, Goff secures the stability of internal systems, allowing the organization to focus on expanding market reach and improving customer financial outcomes within the competitive United States banking landscape.

    Christopher Gibbs - Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Gibbs, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff at Discover, architects long-term growth plans and supports strategic decision-making. Overseeing the integration of business strategy into daily operations, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff ensures that credit card product development aligns with current market demands. Christopher Gibbs analyzes consumer lending trends to identify new opportunities for expansion within the direct banking segment. By collaborating with senior leadership, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff translates complex data into actionable business intelligence. This role involves managing the strategic roadmap for personal loans and home equity products to maximize revenue growth. Through the application of rigorous analytical frameworks, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation across the organization. Ultimately, Gibbs strengthens the competitive position of the company by fostering innovation and maintaining a focus on sustainable financial performance.

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

    Stacy Cohen, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff at Discover, drives the development of strategic initiatives for the payment services segment. Managing the operational interface between the Discover Network and external partners, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff ensures seamless transaction processing and network reliability. Stacy Cohen evaluates market dynamics to refine the company's approach to payment processing and merchant services. By coordinating with the executive team, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff aligns departmental goals with the overarching mission of providing superior financial services. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of strategic projects that enhance the scalability of the payment network. Through the continuous assessment of industry trends, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff optimizes the company's market impact. Ultimately, Cohen secures the long-term viability of the payment services division through disciplined strategic planning and execution.

    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, manages the intersection of strategic planning and technology risk mitigation. Overseeing the advisory framework for digital infrastructure, the Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff ensures that all technological advancements comply with rigorous security standards. Laurie Certo coordinates with technical teams to identify potential vulnerabilities within the direct banking platform. By integrating risk management into the broader business strategy, the Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff protects the integrity of consumer data and financial transactions. This role involves advising the executive leadership on the implications of emerging technologies for the company's operational stability. Through the implementation of robust oversight protocols, the Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff drives a culture of security and resilience. Ultimately, Certo safeguards the company's digital assets.

    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 development and implementation of operational frameworks to ensure regulatory compliance and process excellence. Overseeing the remediation efforts across the organization, the Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation ensures that all business units adhere to established internal controls. Ashley McGuire manages the resolution of complex operational issues to maintain the high standards of the direct banking segment. By collaborating with legal and compliance teams, the Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation mitigates risks associated with consumer lending and deposit products. This leadership role involves designing scalable processes that improve organizational agility and responsiveness. Through the systematic evaluation of operational performance, the Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation drives continuous improvement. Ultimately, McGuire secures the operational foundation of the company, ensuring sustained growth and regulatory alignment.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Credit Card Processing

    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 Jennifer Goff (Vice President, Chief of Staff) 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), Jennifer Goff (Vice President, Chief of Staff), 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, Vice President, Chief of Staff, 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.