Elizabeth M. Allen, a veteran diplomat and political operative, is stepping down from her position as the U.S. under secretary of state for public diplomacy to take on a senior role in Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign.
On Saturday, Ms. Allen will become the chief of staff to Ms. Harris’s running mate, whose selection is expected to be announced in the coming days, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Ms. Allen, who has held other State Department posts, is a rare figure to transition between the worlds of diplomacy and national politics.
During the 2020 campaign, she was the communications director for Ms. Harris’s vice-presidential operations.
Colleagues said Ms. Allen played a larger, intangible role as a key member of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s core team.
Persons:
Elizabeth M, Allen, Kamala Harris’s, Harris’s, Obama, Joseph R, Biden, —, Antony J
Organizations:
Department, House, State Department
Locations:
Buffalo