Danielle Runyan serves as Senior Counselor to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As Senior Counselor to the Secretary, Mrs. Runyan provides expert strategic and policy advice, oversees key departmental initiatives, and is delegated authority to review and approve major actions within VA. Previously, Mrs. Runyan was appointed as the Principal Deputy General Counsel and served as the Acting General Counsel for the Department for nearly one year.
Mrs. Runyan brings over 21 years of legal experience and dedicated public service to VA, particularly in the area of litigation. During her tour as Senior Trial Counsel to the Department of the Air Force, Mrs. Runyan represented the Air Force in complex commercial litigation and helped establish significant legal precedent at the Federal Circuit. In addition to her government experience, Mrs. Runyan also served as Senior Counsel at a nonprofit organization representing individuals in federal and class action litigation.
Mrs. Runyan is admitted to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and Texas, and holds multiple federal and state court admissions.
Mrs. Runyan’s honors include induction into the athletic halls of fame at Johns Hopkins University for her achievements in Division I lacrosse and Division III field hockey and The Peddie School for her achievements in lacrosse. Mrs. Runyan was also the recipient of the 2021 Department of Defense Spirit of Service award for her continued dedication to public service beyond the federal government.
CAREER CHRONOLOGY:
2026 – Present Senior Counselor
2025 – 2026 Principal Deputy General Counsel
2025 Acting General Counsel
2021 – 2025 Senior Counsel, First Liberty Institute
2017 – 2021 Senior Trial Counsel, Department of the Air Force
2015 – 2017 Chief, General Law, Department of the Air Force
EDUCATION:
2004 Juris Doctorate, St. John’s University School of Law
2000 Bachelor of Arts, Johns Hopkins University