President Joe Biden announced that Brian Deese — his top economic adviser — is stepping down as director of the National Economic Council.
"Brian has a unique ability to translate complex policy challenges into concrete actions that improve the lives of American people," Mr. Biden said in a statement Thursday. "He has helped steer my economic vision into reality, and managed the transition of our historic economic recovery to steady and stable growth."
Mr. Biden credited Mr. Deese for shaping several key pieces of legislation throughout his administration, including a major pandemic relief package, a bipartisan infrastructure law, a technology and research measure, and a sprawling spending plan focused on lowering drug prices, combating inflation and fighting climate change.
"Brian's work was critical to the passage of the most significant economic agenda in generations," Mr. Biden said.
Mr. Deese led the most diverse team at the National Economic Council in history, made up of 60% women and 50% people of color, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who announced Mr. Deese's departure at a press briefing Thursday.
The White House announcement came just one day after the president held an event to mark the transition to his new chief of staff, Jeff Zients, who is replacing Ron Klain. Mr. Biden has not made any announcement regarding who Mr. Deese's replacement will be.
"I am grateful to his wife, Kara, and his children, Adeline and Clark for letting us borrow Brian," Mr. Biden said, adding, "I know they're excited to welcome him home."
