Discover Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on expanding direct banking and payment services, Discover delivers innovative financial solutions while maintaining a robust, secure, and customer-centric approach to consumer lending and network operations.

Leadership Roles at Discover

  • Executive AssistantBank President - Bernadette Donohue
  • 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
  • Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff - Stacy Cohen
  • Vice President, Chief of Staff - Jennifer Goff
  • Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff - Christopher Gibbs
  • Bernadette Donohue - Executive AssistantBank President

    Bernadette Donohue, the Executive AssistantBank President at Discover, manages the administrative and operational priorities of the Bank President to ensure the smooth functioning of the executive office. Donohue coordinates high-level meetings and communications that facilitate the strategic direction of the Direct Banking segment. By organizing the daily workflow of the Bank President, the Executive AssistantBank President enables the leadership team to focus on critical business objectives and market expansion. Bernadette Donohue maintains oversight of sensitive documentation and internal processes that support the company's regulatory compliance and operational standards. This role involves acting as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that information flows efficiently across the organization. Through the management of executive schedules and priorities, the Executive AssistantBank President supports the overall stability and growth of the banking operations. Donohue maintains a focus on precision and professionalism, contributing to the effective execution of the company's financial services mission.

    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 strategic business initiatives with rigorous technology risk management protocols. Certo architects comprehensive frameworks that safeguard the digital infrastructure supporting the Direct Banking segment. By aligning risk mitigation with long-term growth objectives, the Chief of Staff ensures that technological advancements remain compliant with industry standards. Laurie Certo monitors the evolving threat landscape across North American operations to protect consumer data and financial assets. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to identify vulnerabilities within the payment network. Through the implementation of proactive advisory measures, the Chief of Staff strengthens the resilience of the entire organization. Certo maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that strategic planning remains synchronized with the complex requirements of modern financial services and the broader digital banking ecosystem.

    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, manages the structural integrity of internal remediation processes. McGuire designs scalable operational frameworks that address complex regulatory requirements and internal compliance standards. By overseeing the Office of Remediation, the Chief of Staff drives efficiency in resolving systemic issues within the Direct Banking and Payment Services segments. Ashley McGuire coordinates with senior leadership to implement corrective actions that enhance organizational performance. This role involves analyzing operational data to identify bottlenecks and deploying solutions that streamline workflows across the enterprise. Through the application of rigorous oversight, the Chief of Staff ensures that all remediation efforts align with the company's commitment to consumer protection and financial stability. McGuire maintains a focus on continuous improvement, fostering a culture of accountability and precision that supports the long-term success of the Discover Network.

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

    Stacy Cohen, the Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff at Discover, architects high-level strategic initiatives that drive growth within the consumer lending portfolio. Cohen evaluates market trends to optimize the delivery of personal loans, student loans, and home equity products. By facilitating communication between executive leadership and departmental heads, the Chief of Staff ensures seamless execution of corporate objectives. Stacy Cohen analyzes competitive positioning to refine the company's approach to deposit products, including certificates of deposit and money market accounts. This leadership role involves synthesizing complex business data into actionable insights that inform long-term planning. Through the coordination of strategic projects, the Chief of Staff supports the expansion of the Direct Banking segment. Cohen maintains a focus on operational agility, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to shifting consumer demands while upholding the high standards of service synonymous with the Discover brand.

    Jennifer Goff - Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Jennifer Goff, the Vice President, Chief of Staff at Discover, coordinates the strategic priorities of the executive office to ensure alignment with the company's core mission. Goff manages the flow of information and decision-making processes that impact the Direct Banking and Payment Services segments. By facilitating collaboration across the C-suite, the Vice President, Chief of Staff drives the implementation of enterprise-wide initiatives. Jennifer Goff oversees the development of internal communication strategies that clarify corporate goals for all stakeholders. This leadership role involves monitoring the progress of key business objectives and adjusting resource allocation to maximize efficiency. Through the management of high-priority projects, the Vice President, Chief of Staff supports the company's market position as a leader in direct banking. Goff maintains a focus on organizational cohesion, ensuring that every department contributes effectively to the overall growth and stability of the financial services platform.

    Christopher Gibbs - Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff

    Christopher Gibbs, the Business Strategy Support Principal & Chief of Staff at Discover, provides the analytical foundation for strategic decision-making within the organization. Gibbs evaluates the performance of various consumer lending products to identify opportunities for market expansion. By supporting the development of long-term business plans, the Chief of Staff ensures that the company maintains a competitive edge in the financial services sector. Christopher Gibbs coordinates cross-departmental efforts to streamline the delivery of credit card and deposit services. This leadership role involves conducting deep-dive assessments of operational metrics to improve service quality and customer satisfaction. Through the application of data-driven strategies, the Chief of Staff enhances the efficiency of the Direct Banking segment. Gibbs maintains a focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that strategic initiatives remain aligned with the evolving needs of the consumer base and the broader economic landscape in the United States.

    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 Laurie Certo (Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff) and Ashley McGuire (Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation).
    Who is part of Discover’s executive team?
    The executive team of Discover includes leaders such as Bernadette Donohue (Executive AssistantBank President), Laurie Certo (Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff), Ashley McGuire (Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation) 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, Business Strategy Senior Principal & Technology Risk Oversight & Advisory Org Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff & Head of Operational Frameworks, Office of Remediation, Senior Principal, Business Strategy and Chief of Staff, Vice President, Chief of Staff.