The email details staff changes in Harris’ office.
Jamal Simmons was the communications director for Singh. He wrote in the memo about the “sad news”. Simmons stated that Simmons would miss Singh’s institutional knowledge, strategic advice and quick-fire e mail fingers.
Singh’s resignation marks the departure from one of Harris’ longest-serving aides in an office that has many newcomers to its orbit. Harris first hired Singh to manage communications for her political operations in March 2020. Harris made Singh a key advisor during the silent campaign of prominent Democrats to join Joe Biden’s ticket. She was also a Harris adviser during the general election, and the transition. Since the inception of the administration, Singh was the deputy press secretary.
Simmons’ email also included details about several promotions within the company and one new hire. CBS News has been informed by a source familiar with the personnel changes that Simmons’ vice president plans to “reconfigure” her communications department following the departures of Symone Sanders, Harris’ former press secretary, and Ashley Etienne, the communications director.
Ernesto “Ernie” Apreza will become Harris’ deputy press secretary. Apreza is currently employed in the White House Office of Public Engagement and previously worked on the 2020 Biden Harris campaign as well as Harris’ presidential campaign.
Simmons informed the staff via email that Simmons had made an announcement about a new press secretary. He wrote that she would be a “fantastic leader” for the communications team.
According to an email to staff, Apreza plans to engage the state and local media as well as key constituency and coalition media organizations. Harris was apparently looking for a veteran Democratic operative to fill the new Hispanic outreach position ahead of the midterm elections.
Harris’ office has also seen promotions for Rachel Palermo and Herbie Ziskend. Ziskend will be a senior communications advisor. She currently serves as the deputy communications director. Palermo will be the new deputy communications director.
