Samantha Tubman new Deputy Social Secretary; Semonti Stephens promoted

WASHINGTON–Samantha Tubman, one of the first Obama 2008 campaign hires–who has been in the Social Office since the Obamas moved to the White House, is the new Deputy Social Secretary. In other East Wing news, Semonti Stephens steps up to deputy communications director and Hannah August becomes press secretary for First Lady Michelle.

Both moves were announced Friday by Kristina Schake, communications chief for First Lady Michelle Obama. Tubman’s promotion comes in the wake of the departure of Erinn “Ebs” Burnough from the Social Office.

below, Schake release….

We are pleased to announce two promotions and one addition to the East Wing team:

Semonti Stephens has been promoted to Deputy Communications Director for the First Lady. For the last two years, Semonti has served as Mrs. Obama’s Deputy Press Secretary. She joined the presidential campaign press staff in 2008, and previously worked on Capitol Hill.

Samantha Tubman has been promoted to Deputy Social Secretary. For the last two years, Sam has served as a Deputy Associate Director of the Social Office. She joined the presidential campaign in 2007.

Hannah August will join the First Lady’s Office as Press Secretary on May 25th. She currently serves as a White House Regional Communications Director in charge of press for the South, parts of the mid-Atlantic, and Missouri, and crafts press strategy on Administration policy impacting women. Hannah was previously Press Secretary at the Department of Justice.