First-ever White House diversity and inclusion officer to leave post

Michael Leitch, the first-ever White House diversity and inclusion official, will leave his post by the end of this month, White House officials told The Hill.

Leach is a special assistant to the president and the White House's chief diversity and inclusion officer. He is the first person to take on the role, taking office in January 2021, when President Biden first took office.

The official said he told his White House colleagues several weeks ago about his plans to step down, and a search is underway to fill the role. The agency added that Leach played a key role in ensuring the Biden administration, the most diverse administration in U.S. history, reflected the diversity of the United States.

Leach said. Associated Press In an interview, he said he would reflect on ways to improve equity across the agency before taking on his next role.

Prior to joining the White House, Leach served as chief human resources officer and director of diversity and inclusion for Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. Prior to that, he worked in labor relations for the National Football League for more than five years and was an assistant head coach with the Chicago Bears for three years.

The Biden administration is focused on increasing diversity and inclusion across the federal government, and on his first day in office, Biden signed an executive order promoting racial equity in government. He also signed an executive order in February 2023 directing government agencies to continue promoting equity.