Biden taps senior Hoyer staffer to join administration’s communication team

The incoming Biden administration has tapped a senior communications staffer who works for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) to serve as a member of the White House communications team. 

Mariel Sáez — Hoyer’s deputy communications director and the deputy communications director for the Presidential Inaugural Committee — will assume the position of White House director of broadcast media early next year. She has also served as women’s media director for the Biden-Harris campaign.

Hoyer praised Sáez, for her work ethic and ability to navigate the media landscape.

“For the past 10 years, Mariel Sáez has been an indispensable member of my communications team. Originally from St. Mary’s County, [Maryland] in my district, Mariel has served in numerous roles across the operation, including as Maryland Press Secretary, where she had the chance to serve her neighbors in the 5th Congressional District. As my deputy communications director, her advice and counsel has been invaluable to me,” Hoyer said in a statement.

“While I will be sad to see her leave our team, I congratulate her on being named as the next White House director of broadcast media, helping President-elect Biden share his vision and achievements with the American people. I have no doubt that she will bring her talent, her dedication, and her deep experience to this role,” Hoyer said.

Biden and Harris have recruited multiple senior Democratic leadership aides to join the ranks of their operation.

They include Hoyer’s floor director Shuwanza Goff, and Reema Dodin, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin’s (D-Ill.) deputy chief of staff and floor director, who will serve as the deputy directors of the legislative affairs team. Ashley Etienne, former communications director for Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), will serve as Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ communications director.