College of Liberal Arts Former Student Appointed to White House Senior Communication Staff
Elizabeth Alexander ‘01 is making history by serving as First Lady-elect Jill Biden’s communications director.
By Rachel Knight ‘18
Former student Elizabeth Alexander ’01 will make history as one of seven ladies on the first all-female White House senior communication staff.
Elizabeth Alexander ‘01 will serve as First Lady-elect Jill Biden’s communications director. Alexander is making history as a member of the first all-female communications team appointed for the White House.
After graduating from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and minor in communication, Alexander achieved a Juris Doctorate in Law from Georgetown University Law Centre. Since then she’s developed an impressive resume, which includes serving as press secretary for Joe Biden during his vice presidency and service in the Senate. She’s also used her Aggie core values of respect and integrity while working as a senior managing director for the strategic communications segment at FTI Consulting where she led the firm’s gender inclusion and workplace equality communications offering.
According to a Nov. 29 press release from the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition team, Alexander also served as a senior advisor to the Biden-Harris campaign. In her new role she will inform the communication strategy for the first lady and oversee press releases and speeches.
In a tweet, Jill expressed her admiration from the College of Liberal Arts former student on Twitter.
“I’ve long admired Elizabeth’s intellect, grace, and optimism during her many years on the Biden team. We know her as a consummate professional and manager with a contagious enthusiasm,” Jill’s tweet read.
Alexander responded by saying she is honored to be on Jill’s team, and is excited for Jill to make history.
Leroy Dorsey, associate dean for inclusive excellence and strategic initiatives and faculty member, taught Alexander in two classes. He wrote a letter of recommendation for Alexander when she was applying to law school. Dorsey said her rise to prominence was visible from the beginning.
“Some of my most vivid memories of her were our debates over the rhetorical effectiveness of political speakers,” Dorsey’s recommendation letter for Alexander read. “While she has a powerful presence due to her intellectual abilities, she also comes across as a delightful person with a warm personality. Such intellectual and interpersonal skills have undoubtedly served her well as a Press Secretary for politicians such as Dick Gephardt and Chuck Schumer, and as the Chairman’s Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee.”
Alexander is one of seven selected to serve on the all-female communications staff, which the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition team said demonstrates their commitment to building an administration that looks like America.
“Communicating directly and truthfully to the American people is one of the most important duties of a President, and this team will be entrusted with the tremendous responsibility of connecting the American people to the White House,” Joe said. “I am proud to announce today the first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women. These qualified, experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better.”