Joe Biden will nominate Kamala Harris’ advisor as US ambassador to UNESCO

Washington — A former aide to Joe Biden and current senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris is the president’s choice to represent the United States at UNESCO.

The country recently rejoined the U.N. agency for education, science and culture after a five-year hiatus initiated by then-President Donald Trump.

Biden’s choice to represent the United States at the Paris-based UNESCO, with the rank of ambassador, is Courtney O’Donnellaccording to a White House official who spoke Monday on condition of anonymity to discuss the nomination ahead of the official announcement.

The Senate will vote on whether to confirm O’Donnell’s nomination.

O’Donnell currently serves in two roles: She is a senior adviser to Harris and acting chief of staff to Doug Emhoff, the vice president’s husband, and brings her expertise to a range of national and global issues, including gender equity and combating anti-Jewish bias, an important issue. for Emhoff, who is Jewish.

O’Donnell was also Jill Biden’s communications director when her husband Joe Biden was vice president in Barack Obama’s administration. O’Donnell helped Jill Biden raise awareness and support for U.S. military families and promote community colleges.

He has extensive experience in global partnership development, public affairs and strategic communications, having held senior positions in two presidential administrations, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, national political campaigns and the private sector, according to his official biography.

O’Donnell most recently oversaw global partnerships at Airbnb.

Former White House chief of staff Ron Klain said O’Donnell is trusted by colleagues around the world.

“This is a fantastic choice and he will do a fantastic job at UNESCO”Klain said in a statement.