Francis L. Donovan is a United States Marine Corps general who serves as the commander of the United States Southern Command since 5 February 2026. He previously served as vice commander of the United States Special Operations Command from 2023 to 2026. He has served as the commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division from 2020 to 2022.
As a lieutenant colonel, Donovan served as executive officer of Marine Corps Special Operations Command Detachment One (Det One) from 16 April 2005 to 10 March 2006. He later served as the Assistant Commanding General, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Prior to JSOC, Major General Donovan spent two years as the Commanding General of Naval Amphibious Forces, Task Force 51 / 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade â known as Task Force 51/5.
Donovan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography from Towson University. He later received a Master of Military Studies degree from the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and a Master of Strategic Studies degree the United States Army War College.
After division command, he served as the director of Marine Corps Communication.
In September 2022, Donovan was nominated for promotion to lieutenant general with assignment as vice commander, U.S. Special Operations Command. He was confirmed 15 December 2022.
In December 2025, President Donald Trump nominated him for promotion to four-star general and appointment as commander, United States Southern Command. On 3 January 2026, the Senate returned his nomination to the president without action. His nomination was re-sent to the Senate on 8 January 2026, and confirmed on 30 January 2026. He assumed command on 5 February 2026.
On 18 February 2026, Donovan and U.S. chargé d'affaires to Venezuela Laura F. Dogu met with officials of the Venezuelan interim government. During the 2026 Cuban crisis, he said on 19 March 2026 that the U.S. military is not planning to invade Cuba.
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