Trump picks Wiles as his chief of staff

President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Susie Wiles, one of his two campaign managers, will be his White House chief of staff, entrusting a top position to a political operative who helped the Republican win election.

The appointment was the first of what is expected to be a flurry of staffing announcements as Trump girds for a return to the White House on January 20.

As gatekeeper to the president, the chief of staff typically wields great influence. The person manages White House staff, organizes the president’s time and schedule, and maintains contact with other government departments and lawmakers. The low-key Wiles, 67, will be the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff.

“Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected,” Trump said in a statement.