Jen Psaki to become Obama's communications director

PanARMENIAN.Net - 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, the Associated Press reports.

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.

Psaki will be returning to the White House where she helped craft Obama's message during the president's first term. She has been part of Obama's team since 2007, when she was traveling press secretary during his first presidential campaign.

The move allows Obama to replace a senior aide with a familiar face who is already steeped in issues confronting the White House.