CIA hails Obama national security pick

CIA Director John Brennan hailed the selection of Avril Haines as the president’s deputy national security adviser on Thursday, noting she was the first female to serve as the agency’s No. 2.  

“As the first woman to serve as Deputy Director, Avril set a powerful example for every woman at this Agency and for women across the country,” Brennan said in a statement. 

{mosads}”I speak for the entire CIA family in thanking Avril for applying her remarkable talents, creativity, and energy to our mission, and for helping lead the Agency at a critically important time of our history,” he said. 

Haines, 45, will replace Tony Blinken, who was recently confirmed by the Senate as the deputy secretary of State. Haines’s new position does not require Senate confirmation. 

Haines joined the CIA in 2013, and served previously for three years as the legal adviser for the president’s National Security Council. 

“The selection of Avril Haines to serve as the President’s Deputy National Security Advisor is a fitting testament to her outstanding intellect, superb judgment, substantive expertise, and total dedication to our country’s security,” Brennan said. 

As much as I wish she could continue to serve as Deputy Director of CIA — a role in which she has excelled — I know that Avril is ideally suited to serve the President and our country in her new assignment. I very much look forward to continuing our partnership as we address the wide array of national security challenges America faces around the globe,” he said.