Biden administration tracker

Key staff in the Biden administration

Information on the president's most important advisors

 

Despite a truncated transition, the newly elected Biden administration engaged in a vigorous effort to staff the government, so much so that a record-breaking 1,136 appointees were sworn in on Inauguration Day. Transition chair and former U.S. Senator Ted Kaufman boasted that this figure was more than the prior two administrations combined in their first 100 days. 

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“About three-quarters of his top 100 aides previously worked in President Barack Obama's administration, according to a new analysis that also shows a majority of key staff are women and nearly 40% are non-white or Hispanic.” —USA Today

The women and men who work for the president rank among the most influential unelected government employees. They serve as pivotal decisionmakers advising the president on all manner of policy and politics. Providing information on their backgrounds and tenure in the White House expands our understanding of the American presidency and its performance in the 21st century. 

This website includes 100 key staff positions in the Executive Office of the President--a subset of the aforementioned appointments that includes the most influential positions announced within the “first 100 days” timeframe. The information provided sheds light on gender and racial diversity as well as additional biographical information (e.g., whether these individuals previously worked in the White House, on the campaign, or in the executive branch). In addition, links to relevant Miller Center oral histories are included so that readers can learn more about a specific position or role in the White House. 

Note that there is no publicly available White House listing of “influential positions,” so I have relied on the National Journal’s prior editions of “Decision Makers.” This special edition was devoted to introducing the most influential members of the Executive Office of the President to the Washington community and published midway through the first year for Presidents Reagan through Obama (1981, 1989, 1993, 2001, and 2009). I took an inventory of every influential position and identified Biden staff members that matched those same positions. In some cases, the position no longer existed, or titles had changed substantially such that there was no match. In other cases, I added newly created positions that President Biden has prioritized (e.g., Covid 19 Response Team Coordinator). 

This website includes 100 individuals, some of whom possess the same title, albeit with a different portfolio (e.g., Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy White House Counsel). Admittedly, others might select a different set of 100 key staff members. Observing White House staffing from the “outside in” makes most any approach to creating this list an imperfect one. However, this endeavor is rooted in historical comparisons, relies on a single, consistent source (National Journal), and provides a sound starting point for learning more about the men and women who advise the president on a regular basis.

Summary stats:

Demographics Male Female Total
Asian 6 6 12
Black 2 13 15
Hispanic 5 6 11
White 30 31 61
Unknown 1 0 1
Total 44 56 100

 

To view demographics data on individual appointees in a filterable table format, visit the Demographics Data page.

 

Featured stats Total
Average age 46
Graduate degree 78
Prior exec. branch experience 77
Worked on the campaign or transition 61
Worked in Obama administration 73

 

Methodological notes: We determined age by accessing public websites, but when information was elusive, we utilized college graduation date to estimate age. Though various staff members were announced on a variety of dates, we use the starting date of 1/20/21 for all those announced before the inauguration. Those announced after the inauguration have a specific starting date. In some cases, a staff member requires Senate confirmation, and we will update their starting date to reflect the date of confirmation. Finally, given the first 100 days timeframe, it is important to note that there are two outstanding positions in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that have yet to be named and are excluded from this list: director of the OMB and administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). These two positions are influential and important, but no nominee was announced within the 100-day timeframe (January 20-April 30, 2021). Special thanks to Maria Geroukos and Grant Koehl for expert research assistance.

Sources: News reports, press releases from the Biden Administration transition website, White House press releases, interviews and Leadership Connect (an online source for staffing information).

Name Position White House Office Biden Campaign/ Transition? Sort descending Prior Exec. Branch Experience? Start Date End Date Related Oral Histories Notes
Maher Bitar Senior Director for Intelligence National Security Council No Yes 01/21/2021
Chris Meagher Deputy Press Secretary Press Office No Yes 03/03/2021
Eric Green Senior Director for Russia and Central Asia National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021 02/19/2023

Succeeded by Nicholas Berliner

Dana Banks Senior Director for Africa National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021 06/30/2022
Shuwanza Goff Deputy Director Office of Legislative Affairs No No 01/20/2021 02/10/2023
Michael Hochman Deputy Staff Secretary Office of the Staff Secretary No No 01/20/2021
Rebecca Brocato Senior Director for Legislative Affairs National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021 01/02/2022

Succeeded by Casey Redmon.

Emmy Ruiz Director Office of Political Strategy and Outreach No No 01/20/2021
Cara Abercrombie Senior Director for Defense National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021
Sasha Baker Senior Director for Strategic Planning National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021
Erika Moritsugu AAPI Senior Liaison Office of the Chief of Staff No Yes 04/14/2021
Mallory Stewart Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021 04/15/2022
Julissa Reynoso Chief of Staff to Dr. Jill Biden & Co-chair of Gender Policy Council Office of the First Lady No Yes 01/20/2021 12/18/2021
Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall Homeland Security Advisor and Deputy National Security Advisor National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021
Carlos Elizondo White House Social Secretary Office of the First Lady No Yes 01/20/2021
Russ Travers Deputy Homeland Security Advisor National Security Council No Yes 01/20/2021 10/01/2021
Melissa Rogers Executive Director and Senior Director for Faith and Public Policy Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships No Yes 02/14/2021
Shalanda Young Deputy Director Office of Management and Budget No No 03/23/2021 03/17/2022

Promoted to OMB Director, confirmed 3/15/22.  Successor: Nani Coloretti.

Aviva Aron-Dine Executive Associate Director Office of Management and Budget No Yes 01/25/2021 05/27/2022
Susan Rice Domestic Policy Adviser Domestic Policy Council No Yes 01/20/2021 05/26/2023
Danny Yagan Associate Director For Economic Policy Office of Management and Budget No No 01/25/2021 01/15/2022

Succeeded by Zachary Liscow.

Stuart Delery Deputy Counsel Office of the White House Counsel No Yes 01/20/2021 06/15/2022

*

Jonathan Su Deputy Counsel Office of the White House Counsel No Yes 01/20/2021 06/03/2022
Topher Spiro Associate Director For Health Office of Management and Budget No No 01/25/2021
Brian Deese Director National Economic Council No Yes 01/20/2021 02/21/2023

Succeeded by Lael Brainard.

David Kamin Deputy Director National Economic Council No Yes 01/20/2021 05/27/2022

Succeeded by Dr. Aviva Aron-Dine.

Clare Martorana Federal Chief Information Officer Office of Management and Budget No Yes 03/09/2021
Gina McCarthy National Climate Advisor Office of Domestic Climate Policy No Yes 01/20/2021 09/16/2022

Succeeded by Ali Zaidi

Anne Filipic Director Office of Management and Administration No Yes 01/20/2021 09/02/2022

David Lyman Noble, successor

Ali Zaidi Deputy National Climate Advisor Office of Domestic Climate Policy No Yes 01/20/2021 09/16/2022
Regina LaBelle (Acting) Director, Deputy Director Office of National Drug Control Policy No Yes 01/20/2021
Eric Lander Director and Presidential Science Advisor Office of Science and Technology Policy No Yes 02/18/2022

Succeeded by Arati Prabhakar.

Cecilia Rouse Chair Council of Economic Advisers No Yes 03/02/2021 03/31/2023

Succeeded by Jared Bernstein (nominated)

Chris Inglis National Cyber Director Office of the National Cyber Director No Yes 02/15/2023

Succeeded by Kemba Eneas Walden.

Katherine Tai United States Trade Representative Office Of The United States Trade Representative No Yes 03/17/2021
Heather Boushey Member Council of Economic Advisers No No 01/20/2021
Tina Flournoy Chief of Staff to the VP Office of the Vice President No Yes 01/20/2021 04/22/2022

Succeeded by Lorraine Voles.

Brenda Mallory Chair Council on Environmental Quality No Yes 04/14/2021
Nancy McEldowney National Security Advisor to the VP Office of the Vice President No Yes 01/20/2021 03/20/2022

Succeeded by Dr. Phil Gordon.

Jen Psaki Press Secretary Press Office Yes Yes 01/20/2021 05/13/2022

Succeeded by Karine Jean-Pierre.

Jennifer Klein Co-chair of Gender Policy Council White House Gender Policy Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Juan Gonzalez Senior Director for Western Hemisphere National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Rob Flaherty Director Office of Digital Strategy Yes No 01/20/2021 06/30/2023

Succeeded by Christian Tom

Karine Jean-Pierre Principal Deputy Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to the Press Secretary Press Office Yes Yes 01/20/2021 05/13/2022

Promoted to Press Secretary

Amanda Sloat Senior Director for Europe National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021 11/17/2023
Julie Rodriguez Director Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Yes Yes 01/20/2021 05/15/2023

On June 15, 2022, Ms. Rodriguez was named Senior Adviser in addition to her current role.

Louisa Terrell Director Office of Legislative Affairs Yes Yes 01/20/2021 07/21/2023
Cristobal Alex Deputy Cabinet Secretary Office of the Cabinet Secretary Yes No 01/20/2021 05/13/2022
Ronald Klain Chief of Staff Office of the Chief of Staff Yes Yes 01/20/2021 02/07/2023

Succeeded by Jeff Zients.

Sumona Guha Senior Director for South Asia National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021 10/14/2022

The exact departure date is subject to revision.

Reema Dodin Deputy Director Office of Legislative Affairs Yes No 01/20/2021 06/16/2023
Gene Sperling White House American Rescue Plan Coordinator Office of the Chief of Staff, COVID-19 Response Team Yes Yes 03/16/2021
Mike Donilon Senior Advisor to the President Office of the Chief of Staff Yes Yes 01/20/2021 01/31/2024
Anita Dunn Senior Advisor to the President Office of the Chief of Staff Yes Yes 01/20/2021 08/14/2021
Chris Slevin Deputy Director for the Office of Legislative Affairs Office of Legislative Affairs Yes No 01/20/2021
Natalie Quillian Deputy Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response Office of the Chief of Staff, COVID-19 Response team Yes Yes 01/20/2021 04/05/2022
Jennifer O’Malley Dillon Deputy Chief of Staff Office of the Chief of Staff Yes No 01/20/2021 02/09/2024
Kurt Campbell Coordinator for the Indo-Pacific National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021 02/06/2024

Date of Senate Confirmation.

Maju Varghese Director White House Military Office Yes Yes 02/01/2021
Bruce Reed Deputy Chief of Staff Office of the Chief of Staff Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Peter Harrell Senior Director for International Economics and Competitiveness National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Erin Wilson Deputy Director Office of Political Strategy and Outreach Yes No 01/20/2021 05/06/2022

Moved to VP Harris office as Deputy Chief of Staff.

Steve Ricchetti Counselor to the President Office of the Chief of Staff Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Cedric Richmond Director Office of Public Engagement Yes No 01/20/2021 05/18/2022

Succeeded by Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Elizabeth Wilkins Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff Office of the Chief of Staff Yes Yes 01/20/2021 01/31/2022
Evan Ryan Cabinet Secretary Office of the Cabinet Secretary Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Remi Yamamoto Senior Advisor for Communications to the Chief of Staff Office of the Chief of Staff Yes No 01/20/2021
John McCarthy Senior Advisor to the Counselor to the President Office of the Chief of Staff  Yes No 01/20/2021
Anthony Bernal Senior Advisor Office of the First Lady Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Jessica Hertz Staff Secretary Office of the Staff Secretary Yes Yes 01/20/2021 10/22/2021

Succeeded by Neera Tanden.

Mala Adiga Policy Director Office of the First Lady Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Cathy Russell Director Office of Presidential Personnel Yes Yes 01/20/2021 12/10/2021

Succeeded by Gautam Raghavan.

Michael LaRosa Press Secretary (to First Lady) Office of the First Lady Yes Yes 01/20/2021 07/29/2022
Gautam Raghavan Deputy Director Office of Presidential Personnel Yes Yes 01/20/2021 12/10/2021

Promoted to Director of Personnel after Russell departure.

Dana Remus Counsel Office of the White House Counsel Yes Yes 01/20/2021 06/15/2022

*

Stefanie Feldman Senior Advisor to the Director of the Domestic Policy Council Domestic Policy Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021 05/26/2023
Jason Miller Deputy Director for Management Office of Management and Budget Yes Yes 04/27/2021
Christen Linke Young Deputy Director for Health and Veterans Affairs Domestic Policy Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Danielle Conley Deputy Counsel Office of the White House Counsel Yes Yes 01/20/2021 06/03/2022
Celeste Drake Director, Made in American office Office of Management and Budget Yes No 04/27/2021 07/06/2022

Moved to NEC as Dep. Asst. to the President for Labor and Economy.

Annie Tomasini Director Oval Office Operations Yes Yes 01/20/2021 02/09/2024
David Hayes Special Assistant to the President for Climate Policy Office of Domestic Climate Policy Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Stephen Goepfert Personal Aide to the President of the United States Oval Office Operations Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Ryan Montoya Director Office of Scheduling & Advance Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Jared Bernstein Member Council of Economic Advisers Yes Yes 01/20/2021 06/13/2023
Lisa Kohnke Director of Presidential Scheduling  Office of Scheduling & Advance Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Jeff Zients COVID-19 Coordinator Office of the Chief of Staff, COVID-19 Response team Yes Yes 01/20/2021 04/05/2022

Succeeded by Dr. Ashish K. Jha

Kate Bedingfield Communications Director Office of Communications Yes Yes 01/20/2021 03/01/2023

Succeeded by Ben LaBolt.

Ashley Etienne Communications Director to the VP Office of the Vice President Yes Yes 01/20/2021 12/01/2021

Succeeded by Jamal Simmons.

Jake Sullivan National Security Advisor National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Vinay Reddy Director of Speechwriting Office of Communications Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Jon Finer Principal Deputy National Security Advisor National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Maria "Pili" Tobar Deputy Communications Director Office of Communications Yes No 01/20/2021 05/02/2022
Symone Sanders Chief Spokesperson and Senior Adviser to VP Office of the Vice President Yes No 01/20/2021 12/31/2021

Succeeded by Jamal Simmons.

Jonathan Cedarbaum Deputy Counsel to the President and National Security Council Legal Advisor National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021 01/31/2022
Jennifer Molina Senior Director of Coalitions Media Office of Communications Yes No 01/20/2021
Rohini Kosoglu Domestic Policy Advisor to VP Office of the Vice President Yes No 01/20/2021 07/15/2022

*

Yohannes Abraham Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary National Security Council Yes Yes 01/20/2021
Mariel Sáez Director of Broadcast Media Office of Communications Yes No 01/20/2021
John Hsu Counsel to the Vice President Office of the Vice President Yes No 01/20/2021

Asterisk (*) denotes date when departure was announced.