Vice President Joe Biden announced on Monday a new communications director, Kate Bedingfield, a film industry official and former spokeswoman for John Edwards’ 2008 presidential campaign.
“Kate is a talented individual who brings a range of communications experience to the team,” Biden said in a statement. “She will be a key advisor to me, a terrific asset to our office, and an important member of the entire White House organization.”
Bedingfield — whose first day at the White House is Monday — previously worked at the Motion Pictures Association of America, where she was the Vice President of Corporate Communications.
The announcement comes amid increasing speculation that Biden might run for president for a third time. On Saturday, Biden held a private meeting with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a popular figure with the Democratic party base, where they discussed economic policy, a person familiar with the discussion told CNN, adding that the presidential campaign or Biden’s future was not a particular focus of the discussion.
Bedingfield is no stranger to the White House, and was previously an associate communications director at the White House. Bedingfield also served as the Deputy Director of Media Affairs and the Director of Response while at the White House.
Following her time on the 2008 Edwards’ campaign, Bedingfield served as communications director for Jeanne Shaheen for Senate.
Bedingfield succeeds Shailagh Murray, who was appointed Senior Adviser to President Barack Obama in March.
