Former Pentagon spokesman Rear Adm. John Kirby will become the new State Department spokesman.
Kirby was tapped to replace Jen Psaki, who left last month to become the White House’s communications director, by Secretary of State John Kerry, according to officials. Paperwork has not been finalized to make his appointment official.
Kirby, who will retire from the military before taking the position, was chosen by Kerry based on his international experience and knowledge, officials said.
When he took over the Pentagon, new Defense Secretary Ashton Carter replaced Kirby because he wanted a civilian in the spokesman’s role.
Acting State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf may remain to handle the media related to the ongoing nuclear talks with Iran, officials also said. Harf, who has been the acting spokeswoman since Psaki left, has been the main press contact for the U.S. delegation on the Iran deal.
