Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the appointment of Lexi Barrett as the new Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Education. In a statement, Secretary Cardona expressed his excitement and confidence in Barrett, who has been a trusted advisor and a highly respected figure within the Department.

“I am thrilled to have Lexi Barrett step into this new role as chief of staff,” said Secretary Cardona. “From advancing accountability in higher education in the U.S. Senate to expanding access to early learning programs in the Obama-Biden White House, and now reimagining college and career pathways in the Biden-Harris administration, Lexi’s deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face in education today will be an asset in our Department’s continued efforts to Raise the Bar for all students.”

Barrett joined the Biden-Harris Administration in October 2021 as a senior advisor in the Office of the Secretary. She also served as the senior advisor for education during her detail with the Office of the First Lady. She played a role in shaping and advancing President Obama’s early education and K-12 education agenda as a senior policy advisor on the Domestic Policy Council at the White House.