Voles was a senior advisor to the vice president since last Summer and served as communications director for Al Gore. According to a White House official, Flournoy hired Voles to work for Harris’ office. Since the inception of the administration, Flournoy was Harris’ chief-of-staff.
Harris stated that Tina was a trusted advisor, confidant and a tremendous leader for the office. She was a leader of our team from day one as we made significant progress in rebuilding our economy at home and strengthening our alliances all over the globe. Tina is a consummate public servant. I will continue to trust her advice, counsel, and friendship.
Ron Klain, White House chief of Staff, also called Flournoy “a critical member of the White House Team since Day One.”
According to a source familiar with the staff changes at the vice president’s Office, “We are done now”. The person who was aware of the happenings in the office told CBS News that they believe the 15-month mark in the Biden presidency and the upcoming midterm and presidential election are historically good points for many and provide an opportunity for others to move up in an administration. Harris’s office changes are also in line with the expected turnover and shuffling in the West Wing. Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, is among those who will be looking for exits in coming weeks.
Voles’ promotion comes after Harris has experienced turnover in her national security and communications teams in recent weeks. Jamal Simmons, an ex-CBS News analyst, was appointed as the communications director for Symone Sands earlier in the year. After Nancy McEldowney’s resignation, Philip Gordon, a Clinton- and Obama administration veteran is now the national security advisor. Rebecca Lissner is a former official of the National Security Council and has joined the vice-president as deputy national security advisor. Dean Lieberman, an ex-official of the State Department, joined the vice president as deputy national security adviser.
