Tina Flournoy, Vice President Kamala Harris’ chief of staff, is stepping down after 15 months, continuing the trend of Harris staffers who have resigned in the last year. Flournoy guided Harris’ team through a tumultuous period marked by reported conflicts with West Wing employees and perplexing demands assigned by President Biden to his No. 2, including curbing illegal immigration and passing federal election changes.
Harris stated, “Tina has been a valued advisor and confidant to me and tremendous leader for the office. From day 1, she led our team during a historic first year as we made progress rebuilding our economy here at home and our alliances around the world. Tina is the consummate public servant and I will continue to rely on her advice, counsel and friendship.”
According to the New York Post, Flournoy oversaw staffing for Harris and served as a vital link between the vice president and outside Democratic allies and activists. However, like in Harris’ previous political positions, the office suffered rapid personnel turnover. The position will be filled by Lorraine Voles, who is currently a senior adviser to the Vice President and was formerly a spokesperson for Vice President Al Gore, George Washington University, and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008.
While the reason behind Flournoy’s departure is currently unknown, the resignation came amid a flurry of news reports alleging a hostile work environment among the VP’s staff, and Flournoy was not spared. According to a Politico story from June 2021, her efforts to shield Harris from criticism resulted in her rejecting or disregarding staff suggestions, refusing to transfer authority, extending decisions needlessly, and blaming those below her for unfavorable outcomes.
Chief spokeswoman Symone Sanders, deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, director of digital strategies Rajun Kaur, director of advance Karly Satkowiak, and national security adviser Nancy McEldowney are among nearly a dozen high-profile staffers that have left Harris’s office.
