Tait Sye, who led media relations for Planned Parenthood for four years, has joined the Obama administration as deputy assistant secretary for public affairs at the Dept. of Health and Human Services.
Sye’s appointment comes after the latest round of Planned Parenthood as a political football. Sye most recently handled press as the organization faced a barrage of attacks in the Republican primary contest and bids to cut federal funding for its health services.
At HHS, Sye handles PA for the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control.
Politico first reported the move, noting Sye’s shift move to government “was greeted with outrage by anti-abortion groups.”
Dori Salcido took over HHS public affairs as acting secretary in late February after President Obama’s recess appointment for the slot, Richard Sorian, was forced to step down after two years because the Senate would not confirm him.