President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on Sunday announced an all-female communications team aimed at bringing “diverse perspectives” to the White House.
Jen Psaki, a top member of the transition team who served in the Obama-Biden administration, was chosen as the incoming White House press secretary. Kate Bedingfield, who was the deputy campaign manager for the Biden-Harris campaign, will serve as White House Communications Director.
In a statement, Biden called the team “qualified, experienced communicators” who will “bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better.”
Harris added that they will communicate “clearly, honestly and transparently” as the country grapples with the pandemic and a series of other crises.
Symone Sanders, one of the most prominent faces of the Biden 2020 campaign, will serve as a senior adviser and chief spokesperson for Harris.
Also on the roster:
Elizabeth Alexander, a senior adviser to the Biden-Harris campaign who will serve as first lady Jill Biden’s communication director.
Ashley Etienne, a senior campaign adviser who will serve as Harris’ communications director.
Karine Jean Pierre, a senior adviser to Biden who will serve as deputy press secretary.
Pili Tobar, a Biden-Harris campaign director and former deputy director at America’s Voice, a non-profit that advocated for immigration reform, will serve as deputy White House communications director.
Sunday’s announcement comes days after Biden announced several other top administration picks, including former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary and former Secretary of State John Kerry as his top climate adviser. Longtime aide Ron Klain will serve as Biden’s incoming chief of staff.
The Trump administration last week formally authorized Biden’s transition, giving him access to key resources and information as he prepares to take office in January. President Donald Trump has not conceded the election, vowing during a Fox News interview earlier on Sunday to continue his legal battle against the results.