This will cause a stir.
After several departures in her office, Vice President Kamala Harris has announced a new communications director.
According to a report by Fox News, Harris should be announcing the selection of Jamal Simmons –– a longtime Democratic political advisor –– to fill the vacant role in her office.
Simmons will take over the role of communication director, previously held by Ashley Etienne, who announced in November she would be leaving the post as Harris’ communication director.
Sources at the time revealed that there was significant tension after Harris felt Etienne was not a good fit amid what many viewed as a dysfunctional first year in office.
Many other staffers in prominent positions have resigned throughout Harris’ first year. The most recent departures include Harris’ chief spokesperson Symone Sanders –– who resigned in December –– and the Vice President’s deputy director of public engagement and intergovernmental affairs, Vincent Evans, who is leaving to take up a post in the Capitol.
The mass exodus also saw Harris’ director of press operations, Peter Velz, work his final day in Harris’ office on Thursday (January 6th). He will take up a new role in the State Department.
CNN first reported on the frustration in Harris’ office, which later was substantiated by sources who pointed to dismal approval ratings and lack of direction from Harris as the reason many staffers felt discontent in their roles. After the report, a wave of pivotal staffers announced their resignations.
At the time Harris remained tight-lipped on the departures, choosing to focus her attention on getting good press following declining approval ratings.
Now, it seems Simmons will be tasked with rescuing the Vice President’s communication strategy. According to reports, Harris will announce the appointment of the political advisor –– who has served as deputy communications director for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign, as well as an aide to former Senator Bob Graham (D-Fla.) –– soon.
