Trump Picks Investment Manager and GOP Donor John Phelan as Next Navy Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that private investment manager and Republican donor John Phelan is his choice for Secretary of the U.S. Navy.

Phelan is the founder and chairman of Rugger Management, a private investment firm based in Palm Beach. He also co-founded MSD Capital, a private investment firm for Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Technologies. He serves on the board of Spirit of America, a military-focused nonprofit.

“John will be a tremendous force for our naval servicemembers, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision,” Trump said in a statement on social media. “He will put the business of the U.S. Navy above all else.”

If confirmed, Phelan would be the first Navy secretary without military experience since 2009. He would succeed Carlos Del Toro, who is expected to resign before Trump’s inauguration.

Phelan is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and has an MBA from Harvard University.

Also included in Tuesday’s nomination announcements was private investor, campaign donor and art collector John Phelan, chosen to serve as Navy secretary. Phelan co-founded MSD Capital, the private investment firm for Michael Dell, the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies.