VP-Elect Harris Selects Flournoy, Others for Her White House Senior Staff

WILMINGTON, Del. — Vice President-elect Kamala Harris named three individuals who’ll be part of her senior staff in the White House, including veteran Democratic strategist Tina Flournoy, as her chief of staff.

Flournoy’s appointment as Harris’ top staffer adds to a team of advisers led by Black women.

Flournoy joins Ashley Etienne as Harris’ communications director and Symone Sanders as her chief spokeswoman.

Flournoy has served as chief of staff for former President Bill Clinton since 2013. Prior to that, she held top posts at the Democratic National Committee, in the presidential campaigns of former Vice President Al Gore and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and with the American Federation of Teachers.

In a statement, Harris said Flournoy’s “deep experience, public policy expertise, and accomplished career in public service make her uniquely qualified for this important position.

“Tina brings a strong commitment to serving the American people, and her leadership will be critical as we work to overcome the unprecedented challenges facing our nation,” she added.

Harris also announced Rohini Kosoglu as her domestic policy adviser and Nancy McEldowney as her national security adviser.

Kosoglu had served as Harris’ top adviser during the general election campaign. McEldowney is a former ambassador to Bulgaria and has 30 years of service in various diplomatic and foreign affairs jobs.

“Together with the rest of my team, today’s appointees will work to get this virus under control, open our economy responsibly and make sure it lifts up all Americans, and restore and advance our country’s leadership around the world,” Harris said.

It’s worth noting that so far, Harris has not named any members of her former Senate staff or longtime political advisers to roles in her White House staff.