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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 16, 2002

President Bush Announced That Keith Hennessey Would Join the White House as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council

President George W. Bush today announced that Marc Sumerlin would be leaving his position as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council on August 16. The President announced that Mr. Keith Hennessey would join the White House from the Office of Senator Trent Lott as Deputy Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Deputy Director of the National Economic Council.

Marc's efforts on behalf of the President and the Nation during the past 18 months have been truly exemplary. He will be sorely missed. Marc possesses an extraordinary combination of intellect, energy, and good humor which we have utilized to their fullest during his time here. His sacrifices and those of his wife, Cassandra, during his government service are much appreciated by all of us who have come to know him and work with him.

"I look forward to working closely with Keith as the National Economic Council continues its mission of assisting the President in promoting a positive agenda for economic security for the American people," said Dr. Larry Lindsey, Assistant to the President and Director of the National Economic Council.

Mr. Sumerlin's service to the President began in June 1999 when he joined the Bush for President campaign as Economic Policy Advisor. During the campaign he helped formulate then Governor Bush's economic program. As Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, Mr. Sumerlin played an integral role in the formulation and enactment the President's tax cut, the economic stimulus bill, and corporate responsibility reforms. He also assisted in the development of the terrorism insurance proposal, and helped address the economic challenges that faced the country in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Keith Hennessey joins the White House from Capitol Hill where he has been working for Senate Republican Leader Trent Lott for over five years, most recently as Policy Director. Before joining Senator Lott's Office, Mr. Hennessey served for two years at the Senate Budget Committee. Mr. Hennessey earned a B.A.S. from Stanford University and a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Harvard University.