“The president is a transformational figure in American history, and he takes seriously his next role as citizen,” Eric Schultz said. | Getty Obama names Schultz as post-presidency senior adviser

Barack Obama has repeatedly pledged to stay active after he leaves office on Friday, and with hours ticking down on his presidency, he’s named several staffers geared to doing just that.

Obama has picked Eric Schultz, currently the principal deputy press secretary at the White House, as senior adviser for his former president’s office. Schultz, who’s been part of Obama’s staff for six years, will develop strategy for Obama’s public profile, design strategies for defending his legacy and be the point person to coordinate with Hill Democrats, Obama alumni and outside groups.


“We’ve all grown to rely on his wise counsel,” said Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Obama and his closest aide. “President Obama asked Eric to do this not only because he's a gifted communicator, but because he trusts his sound judgment. Eric has the instincts, relationships and experience to help the president manage this transition and we are all grateful he’ll continue to be a key member of President Obama’s team."

Schultz, whose history includes a stint with now-Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, will also start his own public affairs practice but will take on the Obama contract starting for six months. He’ll work with Kevin Lewis, Obama’s primary post-presidency spokesman, and Caroline Adler Morales, who’ll be communications director for soon-to-be-former first lady Michelle Obama.

Lewis arrives at the former president’s office after serving as the Justice Department’s principal deputy communications director and senior adviser to Attorney General Loretta Lynch on messaging. Morales has been communications director to the first lady and a special assistant to the president.

“The president is a transformational figure in American history, and he takes seriously his next role as citizen,” Schultz said. “Caroline and Kevin are two of the best communicators in the business, and the President is enormously grateful they will be staying as part of his team.”

Obama’s post-presidency staff has begun to take shape. Anita Decker Breckenridge, currently his deputy chief of staff and his longest-serving aide, will be his post-presidency chief of staff. Deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes will remain attached to advise him on foreign policy. Speechwriter Cody Keenan will help as Obama begins the book he’s planning to write. And trip director Marvin Nicholson and special assistant Joe Paulsen, two of the aides who’ve spent the most time with the president and are frequent golf partners, will join his staff to split responsibilities for traveling with him in the months and years ahead.

This is all separate from the Obama Foundation, which is being led by former White House political director David Simas and will be based in Chicago. The former president’s office will be based in Washington, in the Foggy Bottom building that’s also home to the World Wildlife Fund, not far from the home Obama and his family will live in as their younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school.