Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby will serve as National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications at the White House, according to US President Joe Biden.

“In this role, Kirby will coordinate interagency efforts to explain United States policy and will serve as a senior administration voice on related matters, including as appropriate at the White House podium,” the White House said in a statement.

Kirby will report to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who advises Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks.

iden praised Kirby as “uniquely qualified” for the new post, saying he looks “forward to bringing his background, knowledge, and experience to the White House.”

“I am incredibly honored to be given this opportunity to continue serving my country and this Administration,” said Kirby. “I am very grateful to President Biden for his confidence in me and to Secretary Austin for his tremendous support and leadership these last 18 months.”

Kirby worked in the State Department from December 2015 to January 2017, serving as assistant secretary for the Bureau of Public Affairs and the agency’s spokeswoman from May 2015 to January 2017.

Kirby was the Pentagon spokesperson under Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel before joining the State Department.