WASHINGTON - Ron Klain is stepping down as White House chief of staff and Jeff Zients will take over the role, President Joe Biden confirmed on Friday, marking the biggest shake-up of his staff since entering office.
Biden credited Klain, who has served as Biden's chief of staff from the beginning, with helping steer some of the biggest successes of his presidency, calling him "a once-in-a-generation talent with a fierce and brilliant intellect" in a statement.
Biden said Zients, who worked as the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, will be his new chief of staff.
Although Biden did not specify a time for the turnover, he said the White House will host a transition event next week to thank Klain for his work and welcome Zients back to the office.
"When I ran for office, I promised to make government work for the American people. That's what Jeff does. A big task ahead is now implementing the laws we've gotten passed efficiently and fairly," Biden said.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Biden: Jeff Zients to replace Ron Klain as White House chief of staff
