The Hill News

White House deputy communications director Jennifer Psaki, a long-time Obama aide who worked with the president since 2007, will be leaving the White House Thursday to head the Washington office of the public relations firm Global Strategy Group.

”Global Strategy Group is a first rate communications and public affairs firm and I am looking forward to building a team for the growing Washington office,” Psaki said in a statement released Tuesday.

{mosads}Psaki served as the 2008 campaign's traveling press secretary, and worked in 2006 for then Rep.-Rahm Emanuel (D.-Ill.) at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. She was also a veteran of the 2004 Kerry presidential campaign, along with local races in Iowa. In the White House, Psaki worked primarily on economic and financial-regulatory policy. 

The William and Mary grad was on the short list to replace press secretary Robert Gibbs in January 2011, and one of the few women under consideration. The job ultimately went to Jay Carney, who was Director of Communications for Vice President Joe Biden.

Global Strategy Group is a Democratic shop, with a focus on elections in traditionally conservative-leaning states. Clients include Senators Dodd, Gillibrand, Specter, and Manchin. Psaki is expected to continue some surrogate work for the White House. 

“Jen’s wealth of communications and public affairs experience will be a tremendous asset to all of our political, advocacy and corporate clients," said Jon Silvan, CEO of the company.