Washington ( CNN ) Dennis Cheng , the Clinton Foundation 's chief development officer , is leaving the philanthropic organization this week to join Hillary Clinton 's nascent pre-campaign . Cheng , who is expected to serve as Clinton 's finance director once the campaign officially kicks off , is currently pulling double duty for the Clintons by finishing his role at the foundation and starting to build a 2016 campaign fundraising team , according to a source . The news was first reported by the New York Times . Since joining in 2011 , Cheng has raised $ 248 million for the foundation endowment and worked diversify the group 's priorities . Foundation Spokesman Craig Minassian said `` Dennis ... expanded our ability to support programs that are strengthening health systems and improving access to lifesaving medicines in the developing world , helping communities confront the effects of climate change , creating economic opportunity , empowering women and girls and reducing childhood obesity and other preventable diseases in the United States . '' A foundation source also noted that while Cheng is leaving this week , he will continue to work as a volunteer through the foundation 's March 4 annual gala . Cheng served as deputy chief of protocol in the Clinton State Department and was Clinton 's New York State finance director on her 2008 campaign .
Dennis Cheng , who has started to build Cheng 2016 campaign finance team , is leaving foundation this week . Cheng is a longtime Cheng aide who has worked at the foundation for the last four years . `` Dennis led our efforts to secure the foundation 's future by raising a $ 248 million endowment , '' said the foundation 's spokesman .