WASHINGTON: First Lady Laura Bush said good-bye to her first White House press secretary last week, and welcomed her second, Gordon Johndroe.
A Bush loyalist dating back to the 2000 Presidential campaign, Johndroe had been working at the public affairs office of the Department of Homeland Security. He was previously an assistant White House press secretary under Ari Fleischer.
Noelia Rodriguez is leaving the post, and will become chief of staff to billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad of The Broad Foundation, which gives money to education reform and foster care. Rodriguez will also serve as director of external affairs.
A self-professed lifelong Democrat, Rodriguez said she was motivated to leave by a desire to return to her hometown Los Angeles.
Both Bush and Rodriguez suggested that they would maintain an informal advisory relationship.
"While I'm sad to see her leave, I look forward to calling on her whenever I need candid advice," said the First Lady in a statement.
Rodriguez previously served as president and CEO of the LA Convention 2000, and deputy mayor to former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.
