Washington:
Maju Varghese, the Indian director of the White House Military Bureau, has resigned for personal reasons.
In a series of tweets on Saturday, Varghese said running the White House Military Office (WHMO) was the honor of a lifetime.
“Overwhelmed with much emotion today as a 2.5 year journey comes to an end. Grateful to have served @POTUS and for the friendships forged in the difficult days of the early primaries when we were counted out but bounced back to make it all win.
“Grateful to @BidenInaugural for giving the country a day to celebrate despite all the challenges we faced. Thankful to the men and women of the White House Military Bureau for taking me in and learning about service and sacrifice,” he said.
Varghese, an Obama administration alumnus, joined Biden’s White House after leading the president’s inauguration efforts and serving as a senior advisor and chief operating officer for Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, the DailyExpertNews reported Friday. .
Varghese “will leave his post on Friday after several years working in President Joe Biden’s orbit,” it read.
The White House would not say whether a replacement has been chosen.
“One thing I’ve learned on two tours here is that it’s a demanding place to work and because the work is very important, and we’re totally immersed in this… Right now it’s the best for me and my family that I’m kind of just trying to find a little bit more balance,” Varghese, who is in his early 40s, told DailyExpertNews.
However, he did not provide any details about his subsequent endeavors.
As chief of the military office, Varghese coordinated with the military departments responsible for supporting presidential operations at the White House and on the road at home and abroad, including Air Force One missions, secure communications through the White House Communications Agency , food services, the medical unit and Camp David, the presidential retreat often visited by the Biden family, the report said.
Varghese, a lawyer by training, was born in the US to parents who immigrated from Thiruvalla, Kerala. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherts.
One of the key challenges Varghese has faced over the past two years has been devising strategies for running a White House campaign, inauguration and military support amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the report said.
Deputy White House Chief of Staff Jen O’Malley Dillon called Varghese “one of Team Biden’s most tested, trusted and talented leaders”.
“As the country faced confusing crises a year ago, he led the team that orchestrated a historic, memorable inauguration that set the tone for our first year in office.
“Maju not only embodies the President’s core values, but teaches them all through his service, optimism and heart,” Dillon said in the report.
In his tweets, Varghese thanked Dhillon and others for trusting him to lead teams “throughout this incredible ride”.
“In the service of two presidents and in the spirit of my father, I have tried with all my heart to lead. Thank you for everything, team! You will always have me as a friend and ally,” he said.
Varghese previously served in the White House under President Barack Obama in a variety of roles, including as assistant to the president for management and administration and deputy director of advance. He has also worked as Chief Operating Officer at The Hub Project and as a senior advisor at law firm Dentons. PTI SCY AKJ SCY SCY
