Kaine to head Democrats, and more

Kaine to head Democrats

Barack Obama named Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine to head the Democratic National Committee, succeeding Howard Dean. Kaine will initially work part time as chairman, until his gubernatorial term ends, in 2010. Kaine, 50, is a rising Democratic star who was considered a possible Obama running mate. As party chief, Kaine will focus on preparing for the 2010 midterm elections, publicizing the Obama administration’s themes, and raising money.

Chief performance officer

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Filling a newly created post, Barack Obama named Nancy Killefer as the administration’s chief “performance officer,” responsible for budget reform and improving government efficiency. Head of McKinsey & Co.’s public policy practice, Killefer served as the Treasury Department’s chief administrative officer from 1997 to 2000. Obama cited her expertise in “streamlining processes and wringing out inefficiencies.”