Indian-American policy expert Neera Tanden, a close confidant of US President Joe Biden, was named White House staff secretary on October 22.
The White House staff secretary is a behind-the-scenes position but plays a crucial role in the West Wing. The 51-year-old senior advisor to President Biden was named White House staff secretary, and she is now responsible for managing the paper flow to the President from other areas of the administration and federal government. With this role, Tanden is considered one of the most powerful in the building.
In addition to her new duties, Tanden will keep her senior adviser title and “continue to lead particular projects and initiatives, a White House official was quoted as saying by Politico.
According to the White House official, the staff secretary role is the central nervous system of the White House and moves the decision-making process and manages a wide variety of issues for the President.
Tanden’s appointment does not require Senate confirmation, and she will report to White House chief of staff Ron Klain.
Tanden has more than two decades of experience in policy and management which are critical elements of the role. Her expertise lies in domestic, economic and national security policy, which will be a key asset in this role.
Her appointment as White House staff secretary came eight months after she withdrew her nomination as Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget due to stiff opposition from Republican senators.
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In March, while accepting Tanden’s request to withdraw her name from nomination, President Biden stated that he had the utmost respect for Tanden’s record of accomplishment, her experience and counsel, and President Biden looked forward to having her serve a role in his Cabinet. “Tanden will bring valuable perspective and insight to our work,” Biden had added.
In May, White House announced Tanden’s appointment as a senior advisor to Biden.
She also served as policy director for Hillary Clinton’s first presidential campaign. Tanden began her career as an associate director for domestic policy in former President Bill Clinton’s White House and senior policy advisor to the then First Lady.
