March 10, 1999
Web posted at: 1:45 p.m. EST (1845 GMT)

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (March 10) -- The Clinton Administration is moving ahead with some personnel changes as a new communications director and counselor to the president were named Wednesday.

Loretta Ucelli has been named the new communications director, overseeing media strategy and speech-writing. She replaces Ann Lewis, who has been named counselor to the president. In that position, Lewis succeeds Paul Begala, who recently left the administration.

Lewis is supposed to concentrate on strategic planning and outreach.

Ucelli is moving to the White House from the Environmental Protection Agency, where she has been associate administrator for communications, education and public affairs.

She is a former political director for the Democratic National Committee and once served as chief of staff to then-Rep. Barbara Mikulski (D-Maryland), and was in charge of communications for the National Abortion Rights Action League.

In a written statement, President Bill Clinton said, "I can think of no better person than Loretta to convey our administration's vision for building a strong nation in the 21st century."

CNN reported Tuesday the moves were part of an effort to bring in new blood, and also to replace some people leaving the administration.

Discussions are underway with other Democratic strategists about coming to the White House.

Wednesday, March 10, 1999

• Dole announces presidential exploratory committee
• House to debate sending troops to Kosovo
• GOP leaders pledge to lock away Social Security trust fund
• Republicans hammer Gore over U.S. policy toward China
• Opening statements begin in McDougal trial
• White House names new communications director
• Lamar Alexander kicks off second GOP bid without the plaid
• Justice seeks to overturn recent Miranda ruling
• Gore: Campaign will 'be about the American people'
• Senate hears divergent views on Cuba policy
• Committee sends steel imports quota bill to House
• House panel overwhelmingly approves ATM fee disclosure measure
• Campaigns under way to influence Social Security overhaul debate
• Alabama's Senate standoff moves to state Supreme Court
• Appeals court upholds charges against Cisneros
• Arkansas lawmakers reject money for Clinton museum
• Reno, lawmakers wrangle over anti-crime funds
• Gov. Bush's abortion stance challenged
• House votes to protect nursing home patients

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