Karen Pence hires former Barbara Bush staffer as chief of staff

WASHINGTON – Kristan King Nevins has been named chief of staff to Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence.

Nevins is a Washington veteran who formerly served as chief of staff to first lady Barbara Bush and later headed corporate fundraising and event planning for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Other government roles have included “advising and management” work with the White House national security staff, the State Department and the CIA, according to the vice president’s office. Most recently, she was director of strategy for communications firm SBD Advisors.

“I’m delighted to bring Kristan on board and tap her extensive experience in government, non-profit, and the private sector as we build our team in the Second Lady’s Office,” Karen Pence said in a statement Tuesday.

And Pence used the announcement to highlight one of the issues she has chosen to promote in her role as second lady: “Kristan has a heart for public service and a deep passion for giving back; qualities that will serve as strong pillars in our mission to shine a spotlight on art therapy programs across America.”

Pence was an art teacher and advocated for art therapy as first lady of Indiana.

Pence’s announcement comes as first lady Melania Trump begins to staff up as well. Trump announced her selection for chief of staff, former White House Visitors Office director Lindsay Reynolds, last week. More East Wing hires are expected soon.