(JTA) — Ron Klain, a former White House official, was tapped to coordinate the government’s response to the Ebola outbreak.
Klain previously served as chief of staff for Vice President Joe Biden and for Vice President Al Gore from 1995 to 1999.
As Ebola response coordinator, Klain will report to Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco and National Security Advisor Susan Rice, the White House said in an announcement over the weekend.
“Klain comes to the job with extensive experience in overseeing complex governmental operations and has good working relationships with leading Members of Congress as well as senior Administration officials,” the White House announcement said. “Klain’s talent and managerial skill will be crucial in providing the resources and expertise we need to rapidly, cohesively, and effectively respond to Ebola at home and abroad.”
Klain, who is Jewish, grew up in Indianapolis and attended Harvard Law School. Since leaving Washington in 2011, he has worked as president of Case Holdings, an investment company.
His appointment follows the infection of two Dallas nurses by the first Ebola patient diagnosed in the United States. The patient, Thomas Duncan, died Oct. 8.
