The President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden, announced Sunday, November 29, the composition of his communications team at the White House, which will be exclusively female, what his entourage has called the first in the history of the country.
Among those nominated is Jen Psaki, who will serve as the high profile White House press secretary. Mme Psaki, 41, has held a number of important positions, including that of White House communications director under the Obama-Biden administration.
Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris are looking to emphasize diversity in the appointments announced so far, before they are sworn in on Jan.20.
A francophone born in Martinique deputy press attaché
“I am proud to present today the first communications team for the White House composed exclusively of womenMr. Biden said in a statement. These qualified and experienced communication professionals bring varied perspectives to their work and share the same commitment to rebuild this country. “
In addition to Mme Psaki, six other women were named:
- Kate Bedingfield, Mr Biden’s deputy campaign manager, has been appointed White House communications director. She previously served as Mr. Biden’s communications director while he was vice president.
- Ashley Etienne will become Kamala Harris’ communications director.
- Symone Sanders is propelled advisor and spokesperson for the vice-president.
- Pili Tobar has been appointed deputy director of communications for the White House.
- Karine Jean-Pierre – French-speaking Haitian-American, born in Martinique – has been appointed deputy press secretary.
- Elizabeth Alexander will be the communications director for the future first lady, Jill Biden.
These appointments do not require Senate confirmation, unlike most cabinet positions.
Other appointments should be made during the week. According to New York Times, they will include that of Cecilia Rouse at the head of the President’s Circle of Economic Advisers, the first black woman to hold this position. Neera Tanden would take over as head of the Bureau of Management and Budget, the first Indian-American in this role.
The announcements follow the expected appointment of Janet Yellen, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve, the US central bank, to become the first female secretary of the Treasury, if confirmed by the Senate.
