Obama picks State Dept.’s Jen Psaki to head White House communications

In this photo taken Feb. 16, 2011, Jen Psaki is seen in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. White House officials say State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki will become President Barack Obama's new communications director, filling a key slot as Obama embarks on the final two years of his presidency. She replaces veteran Democratic media strategist Jennifer Palmieri, who is leaving the White House to join Hillary Rodham Clinton's likely presidential campaign. She will step into her new role April 1. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak) In this photo taken Feb. 16, 2011, Jen Psaki is seen in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. White House officials say State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki will become President Barack Obama’s new communications ... more > Ads by Adblade You Won't Believe Who Tops the List as the Most Generous Celebrity! 10 ideas for a great first date These Celebs Take Vacations to a Whole New Level! By Dave Boyer - The Washington Times - Updated: 11:36 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2015 State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki, who worked on President Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012, will become the president’s new communications director, White House officials said Thursday. Ms. Psaki will replace Jennifer Palmieri, a veteran Democratic strategist who is leaving the White House to join Hillary Rodham Clinton’s likely presidential campaign. She will start her new job April 1. The Associated Press first reported the move. In a statement, Mr. Obama said Ms. Palmieri is a “good friend” and praised her as a “brilliant and effective communications director and trusted adviser.” “I’d say Jen is irreplaceable — if Jen Psaki hadn’t agreed to step in,” Mr. Obama said. “I fully trust Jen — and I am thrilled she’s agreed to come back to the White House as communications director.” When Jay Carney departed last year as White House press secretary, there was speculation that Ms. Psaki would get the post. Instead the president chose Josh Earnest, who had served as Mr. Carney’s chief deputy. Ms. Psaki has been part of Mr. Obama’s team since 2007, when she was traveling press secretary during his first presidential campaign. She also served in that role for Mr. Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012. In her new role, Ms. Psaki will be responsible for crafting the White House’s overall communications strategy. Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/feb/19/obama-picks-jen-psaki-head-wh-communications/#ixzz3SDFJXy7P Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter