The Iowan who moved to D.C. to serve as Michelle Obama’s chief of staff has been replaced by one of the first lady’s long-time friends.
According to news release issued late today by the White House , Jackie Norris will no longer work for the first lady, but instead will serve as senior advisor to the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Norris met the Obamas when she worked on the Iowa caucus campaign and she was later reassigned to lead campaign efforts in other caucus states. Her husband, John, is working as chief of staff for U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, the former Iowa governor and the couple lives in a D.C. suburb with their children.
In a statement released by the White House, Jackie Norris said she is "grateful" to the Obamas for "the opportunities and friendship" they have given her over the last few years.
Norris has been replaced by Susan Sher, a long-time friend of Michelle Obama’s. Sher was Michelle Obama’s boss when the first lady worked at the University of Chicago Medical Center. And it was Sher who recommended Michelle Obama for an earlier job in the office of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley.