Markell appointed to White House position
Former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell has been appointed by the Biden administration to serve as the White House Operation Allies Welcome coordinator.
In this role, Markell will coordinate the Biden administration's resettlement policy development and engage with state and local governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations to support the resettlement of Afghan evacuees in the United States.
Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he supports Markell’s appointment.
"Gov. Markell is a dedicated and capable public servant with the experience, intelligence and character to skillfully coordinate what will be a challenging nationwide effort to ensure our Afghan partners from America's longest war are safely resettled in the United States,” Coons said. "I look forward to supporting him in this work and to helping rebuild our nation's capacity to welcome evacuees."
Gov. John Carney and Sen. Tom Carper also applauded Markell’s appointment.
“Delaware is a welcoming state – a ‘state of neighbors,’ as Gov. Markell used to say,” said Carney. “My friend and our former governor is a great selection by President Biden to lead this incredibly important mission to resettle Afghan refugees in the U.S. These are Afghans who supported American service members over the last 20 years and are coming to America seeking better lives for their families. Delaware stands ready to support this effort in any way possible.”
Carper said he believes Markell is the right man for the position.
