U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Raimondo’s Staff

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Raimondo’s Staff

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced new appointees to lead the Department of Commerce under the Biden-Harris Administration. 

The appointees are the team that will staff Governor Gina Raimondo in her new role as Secretary of Commerce, if confirmed by the Senate.

Her confirmation hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

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The only staffer with significant Rhode Island connections is Chief of Staff Mike Harney — who once served on Patrick Kennedy’s staff.

Who is not on the list are any members of Raimondo’s existing staff or any members of her cabinet. 

“The appointments represent a diverse and accomplished group of individuals who are committed to advancing the economy for all Americans. In partnership with dedicated career civil servants, these key appointments will work to promote job creation and economic growth while also advancing key priority areas for the Biden-Harris Administration, including containing the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the climate crisis, ensuring equitable job creation, and helping businesses and communities build back better,” said the release sent by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“President Biden is building a team at the Department of Commerce that will deliver on his promise to build our economy back better,” said Harney. “Together, we will promote equitable economic growth that strengthens U.S. businesses, creates good-paying jobs, invests in solutions to climate change, fosters innovation, and advances racial equity. The crises facing our country are urgent, and we are ready to get to work for the American people.”

The new appointments are listed in alphabetical order:

• Cynthia Aragon - White House Liaison
• Brittany Caplin - Deputy Director of Public Affairs and Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary
• Antwaun Griffin - Senior Advisor to the Secretary on COVID-19
• Camilo Haller - Confidential Assistant, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
• Mike Harney - Incoming Chief of Staff
• Natalie Evans Harris - Senior Advisor to the Secretary
• Othniel Harris - Special Assistant, Office of the General Counsel
• Christopher Hoff - Deputy Assistant Secretary for Services, International Trade Administration
• Karen Hyun - Chief of Staff, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, PhD from URI
• Letise LaFeir - Senior Advisor, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Brown University grad.
• Sean Manning - Press Assistant, Office of the Secretary, once worked in the Raimondo office as an intern in RI
• Meghan Maury - Senior Advisor, U.S. Census Bureau
• Lauren Oppenheimer - Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
• Quentin Palfrey - Deputy General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel
• Feras Sleiman - Congressional Affairs Specialist, Bureau of Industry and Security
• Ike Umunnah - Director of Public Affairs, Economic Development Administration
• Meron Yohannes - Policy Advisor, Office of Policy and Strategic Planning