President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris continue to walk in their commitment to building the most diverse administration in U.S. history. Recently, the names of their newest appointees were released to much fanfare. Considering Kamala Harris is a graduate of Howard University, it’s no surprise she recognized the value of having a fellow HBCU graduate on her team.
Florida A&M University alumnus Vincent Evans has been appointed to serve the Biden-Harris administration as Deputy Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. The decision was shared as part of a larger list of 11 individuals appointed to positions ranging from press to economics. According to The Gainesville Sun, Evans, a Florida native, graduated from FAMU in 2011 after earning his bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law.
“Humbled seems too insufficient a term to describe my feelings today. Thank you madam Vice President-elect Kamala Harris for the profound opportunity and honor to serve you, President-elect Joe Biden, your administration and most importantly, the American people,” tweeted Evans after being appointed.
Vincent Evans is no stranger to working with Biden and Harris. He served as Kamala Harris’ Political Director during the general election, and as the campaign’s Southern Political Director during the primary season.
Well-known in political circles on the national, state and local levels, Vincent Evans has a background in leadership and legislation. Previously, Evans worked for Congress as a member of the senior staff of U.S. Representative Al Lawson of Florida. He also worked as Chief Aide to Tallahassee City Commissioner Curtis Richardson. He has worked in the Florida Senate Demcoratic Caucus for Democratic Leader Nan Rich. He’s also managed or held some other leadership position on the campaigns of two of Florida’s most recent Democratic gubernatorial nominees.
The other appointees chosen alongside Evans included: Yael Belkind as Assistant to the Chief of Staff; Michael Fuchs as Deputy Chief of Staff; Kate Childs Graham as Director of Speech Writing; Dr. Ike Irby as Policy Advisor; Deanne Millison as Deputy Policy Director; Rachel Palermo as Assistant Press Secretary; Mike Pyle as Chief Economic Advisor; Sabrina Singh as Deputy Press Secretary; Peter Velz as Director of Press Operations; and Herbie Ziskend as Deputy Communications Director.
“Building our nation back better requires having the best and the brightest in our administration. These accomplished individuals have the knowledge and expertise to hit the ground running on day one and will work each day in service to the American people. With their varied and diverse backgrounds, they bring a shared commitment to tackling the crises facing America, helping us become a stronger, more united nation,” said President-elect Joe Biden as part of a statement.
“These deeply experienced public servants reflect the very best of our nation, and they will be ready to get to work building a country that lifts up all Americans. Their counsel and expertise are grounded in a commitment to making sure our economy works for working people and all those looking to work. And their leadership will be critical as we work to meet the challenges facing the American people — from the coronavirus pandemic to this economic recession to our climate crisis and long-overdue reckoning on racial injustice. I am proud to announce these individuals will be joining my team and look forward to working alongside them each and every day,” said Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.
