[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 3 (Monday, January 22, 2001)]
[Page 197]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
 Statement Announcing the
Chief of Staff of the Post-Presidency Transition Office

 January 19, 2001

     I am pleased to announce that Karen Tramontano will be serving as 
my Chief of Staff in my Post-Presidency Transition Office. Following 
that, Karen will direct my staff, work with me to develop a foundation, 
and manage my other public service activities. She will also serve an 
integral role in the development of my Presidential Library.
     Karen Tramontano has spent the past two decades bringing more 
opportunity to working Americans. From her work at the Service Employees 
International Union to her days on the U.S. Senate Labor and Human 
Resources Committee, Karen brought issues such as minimum wage, health 
and child care, and workers' and civil rights to the political 
forefront. She continued that effort at the White House, first as 
Counsel to my then Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles and then as Counselor 
to my Chief of Staff John Podesta. In that capacity, she also worked 
tirelessly on the census, global trade, and issues important to the 
Washington, DC, community. I know that in this new role she will 
continue to fight for these and other important causes.
     Time and again, Karen has demonstrated keen insight and shrewd 
political judgment. Her energy is infectious, her skill and leadership 
unparalleled. I know she will bring that same level of commitment and 
enthusiasm to her work with me in the years ahead. I am grateful that 
she has agreed to take on one more assignment.