President Obama on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" on May 17. Photo: Terence Patrick/CBS via Getty Images
Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama name two new top staffers for their personal office:
Driving the news: Hannah Hankins, President Obama's new communications director, served for 5+ years in the Obama White House Communications Department, including as communications director and senior policy adviser for the Domestic Policy Council.
- After the administration, she helped with Michelle Obama’s "Becoming" book tour, was deputy chief of staff for Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and was communications director for Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff during the campaign and transition.
Crystal Carson, Mrs. Obama's communications director, was a managing director at Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote Initiative, and worked as a media consultant for President Obama’s personal office.
- She has also worked for the Obama Foundation, on rapid response for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, and as chief of staff for the communications director in the Obama White House.
Eric Schultz continues his consultant role (via The Schultz Group) as outside senior advisor.
What's next: President Obama plans to remain in the public eye ahead of the Obama Presidential Center groundbreaking later this year on the South Side of Chicago.
- Tonight at 8 p.m. ET, President Obama joins a one-our CNN primetime special on fatherhood with Anderson Cooper.
- Look for new releases soon from the Obamas' Higher Ground Productions.