Discover the career path of Karine Jean-Pierre, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Karine Jean-Pierre is a French-American political advisor. She is notable for being the first Black person and openly LGBTQ person to serve as White House Press Secretary, holding the position from May 2022 to January 2025. Prior to this role, she was the Deputy Press Secretary under Jen Psaki (2021-2022) and served as Chief of Staff for Kamala Harris during the 2020 presidential campaign. She also briefly served as a Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden. Her career marks significant milestones in representation within American politics.
2004: Southeast Regional Political Director for John Edwards
In 2004, Karine Jean-Pierre was the southeast regional political director for John Edwards' presidential campaign.
2006: Outreach Coordinator for Walmart Watch
In 2006, Karine Jean-Pierre was hired as the outreach coordinator for Walmart Watch in Washington, D.C.
2008: Obama Campaign Political Director
In 2008, Karine Jean-Pierre was the campaign's southeast regional political director for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
2011: National Deputy Battleground States Director
In 2011, Karine Jean-Pierre served as National Deputy Battleground States Director for President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.
2012: Re-election Campaign
In 2012, Karine Jean-Pierre served as National Deputy Battleground States Director for President Obama's re-election campaign.
2014: Joined Columbia University Faculty
In 2014, Karine Jean-Pierre joined the Columbia University faculty as a lecturer in international and public affairs.
April 2016: Senior Advisor and National Spokesperson for MoveOn
In April 2016, MoveOn named Jean-Pierre as a senior advisor and national spokesperson for the 2016 presidential election.
2016: Deputy Campaign Manager for Martin O'Malley
In 2016, Karine Jean-Pierre served as the deputy campaign manager for Martin O'Malley's 2016 presidential campaign.
2019: Published "Moving Forward"
In 2019, Jean-Pierre's book, Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America, was published.
May 2020: Senior Advisor to Joe Biden's Campaign
In May 2020, Jean-Pierre joined the Biden team as a senior advisor to Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign, motivated by a desire to shape the future for her daughter.
November 29, 2020: Principal Deputy Press Secretary
On November 29, 2020, it was announced that Jean-Pierre had been made Principal Deputy Press Secretary.
2020: Chief of Staff for Kamala Harris
In 2020, Karine Jean-Pierre served as the chief of staff for U.S. Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris during the 2020 presidential campaign.
2020: Senior Advisor and National Spokeswoman for MoveOn.org
Prior to working with Kamala Harris during the 2020 election, Jean-Pierre was the senior advisor and national spokeswoman for the progressive advocacy group MoveOn.org. in 2020
May 26, 2021: First White House Press Briefing
On May 26, 2021, Karine Jean-Pierre gave her first White House press briefing, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person to do so and the first Black woman to do so since 1991.
2021: Appointed Deputy Press Secretary
In 2021, Karine Jean-Pierre became the Deputy Press Secretary to Jen Psaki.
May 5, 2022: Announcement as White House Press Secretary Successor
On May 5, 2022, it was announced that Karine Jean-Pierre would succeed Jen Psaki as White House Press Secretary on May 13.
May 2022: Appointed White House Press Secretary
In May 2022, Karine Jean-Pierre became the White House Press Secretary, marking a historic moment as the first Black person and openly LGBTQ+ individual to hold the position.
December 2023: Turned Down EMILY's List Offer
In December 2023, Jean-Pierre turned down an offer to become president of abortion advocacy group EMILY's List.
October 7, 2024: Promoted to Senior Advisor
On October 7, 2024, Jean-Pierre was promoted to a Senior Advisor position in the Biden administration, concurrent to her role as Press Secretary.
October 2024: Senior Advisor to President Biden
In October 2024, Karine Jean-Pierre became a senior advisor to President Joe Biden while concurrently acting as White House press secretary.
January 2025: End of term as White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor
In January 2025, Karine Jean-Pierre ended her term as the White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden.