Joyce Jones–Working at the White House is not for the faint of heart. Witness how quickly most presidents’ heads turn gray in the first few years. It’s also a grind for those who serve the commander-in-chief, so it’s not unusual to see a wave of departures toward the end of a first term.
But the news that White House domestic policy adviser Melody Barnes is leaving her post at the end of the year took many by surprise. Barnes, who also heads the Domestic Policy Council, says she wants to spend more time with her family and will also be looking at opportunities in the private sector.
“Working in the White House for President Obama and serving the American people has been an honor and the opportunity of a lifetime. But over the last several months, I’ve reached the conclusion that I need to move out of a 24/7 work schedule and on to the next phase of my life,” Barnes said in a statement. “I’m very proud that I’ve been able to work side-by-side with the president and his team driving an innovation and reform agenda to create greater opportunity for all Americans.”
