WASHINGTON — In the past, White House chief ushers have largely been public servants, military personnel or career staff members who worked their way up the usher ladder over several administrations. But in naming a new chief usher on Friday, Melania Trump elevated someone from within a close network of family employees to be her in-house right hand.

The White House said Friday that Mrs. Trump had chosen Timothy Harleth, the director of rooms at the Trump International Hotel in Washington, to manage about 90 ushers who are tasked with making sure life runs smoothly for the president’s family. If tradition holds, Mr. Harleth will serve as President Trump and Mrs. Trump’s confidant on all matters from planning family dinner menus to handling personnel issues. He would also manage the budget for the residence.

Mr. Trump is known to keep his circle close and for asking employees to sign nondisclosure agreements. He has also remained tied to the business empire he built, which includes the Washington hotel.