Melania Trump announces first staff pick, her chief of staff

WASHINGTON – First lady Melania Trump has named the first member of her White House team, choosing Lindsay Reynolds as her chief of staff.

Reynolds will oversee operations in the White House East Wing, where the first lady operation is traditionally based.

Mrs. Trump says in a statement that Reynolds has more than 14 years of experience in political fundraising and event management. She also served in the White House under President George W. Bush.

The first lady also acknowledges the slow pace of building her staff. She says creating a professional and highly experienced team “will take time to do properly.”

Reynold says in the same statement that she’s working on updates and renovations to the White House public tour route, which has been closed temporarily.