Markell, who served two terms as governor, will be the coordinator of the resettlement initiative the White House has dubbed “Operation Allied Welcome.”
“There is no one to trust more than Jack Markell for this upcoming critical phase of Operation Allied Welcome as we welcome Afghan evacuees to America,” Biden said.
“A former governor and business executive, he is an expert manager with experience in tackling difficult issues and getting results. Former President of the National Governor’s Association, he maintains deep relationships with members of both parties who respect his ability to find common ground and forge consensus “.
“I am honored to have been asked by the president to play this important role,” Markell said. “Welcoming these families is in the best traditions of our country and we are grateful to see the effect of supporting people across the country who are ready to help resettle vulnerable Afghans and welcome them into their new homes.” .
The Washington Post was the first to report on Markell’s appointment.
The new role comes when the administration faces the review and resettlement of tens of thousands of evacuees from Afghanistan. Homeland Security Secretary Alexander Mayorkas announced Friday that the United States has admitted more than 40,000 evacuees from Afghanistan to the country. This includes U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, special visa holders for immigrants, and other vulnerable Afghans.