Longtime aide to U.S. Vice President Joe Biden resigns

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Longtime aide to U.S. Vice President Joe Biden resigns

2011-05-24 03:10:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- A longtime aide and spokeswoman for U.S. Vice President Joe Biden announced her resignation on Monday in order to practice law, the White House said.

The Office of the Vice President said longtime aide and Press Secretary Elizabeth Alexander has informed of her decision to leave the White House at the end of May to practice law. She will be succeeded by Kendra Barkoff, who most recently served as Deputy Communications Director and Press Secretary for Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

"From the Senate to the White House, for the last five years, Elizabeth has been by my side as a trusted advisor. Together, we've logged a lot of miles, and through it all she's been tough, determined and loyal," Biden said. "Her energy, intellect, and professionalism will be missed enormously, even as I'm excited for her to start the next chapter of her career."

Biden added that he is looking forward for Barkoff to join him at the White House. "She has extensive communications and press experience and will be a tremendous asset to our office and the entire White House," the vice president noted.

Before working for Salazar, Barkoff worked as U.S. Senator Bob Casey's Press Secretary on Capitol Hill. She has also worked for U.S. Senator Richard Durbin as the Democratic Media Coordinator and Press Assistant, as well as for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell as a communications aide.

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