As U.S. Senator Joe Biden's (D-DE) Chief of Staff from 1998 through 2003, Alan L. Hoffman directed Biden's agenda, communications and political operations, and managed everything from legislative affairs to personnel.
In 2004 he left the Senate staff to accept a position with The Rand Corporation in Santa Monica, California, as vice president for external affairs.
Two years later, Hoffman was invited to join Senator Biden's team again, back as Senate office Chief of Staff, with additional responsibilities as presidential campaign advisor. Sen. Biden announced he was running for president on January 31, 2007. Hoffman directed operations through the campaign, and when Sen. Biden withdrew from the presidential race after the Iowa Caucus in January, 2008, Hoffman announced he was going back to California.
In February, Sen. Biden delivered a speech on the Senate floor, "Farewell to Alan Hoffman," where he praised Hoffman's judgment. "I have benefited enormously from Alan's excellent sensibilities," the senator remarked. "He has sharp political sense, a keen sense of timing, a sense of what makes people tick, and a sense of humor."
Back in California with his wife, Lizzie, Hoffman was soon named vice president for external relations for the University of California system by the U/Cal Board of Regents. In a statement dated July 17, University of California President Mark Yudof stated "Alan's strategic vision, sound judgment, high standards and good humor suit him very well for the responsibilities awaiting him in the UC system."
And this summer, when Sen. Biden was announced as Barack Obama's VP running mate, Hoffman commented in the Columbus Dispatch that Sen. Biden "has a deep conviction and pride in what he does, so failure doesn't always bother him. He always bounces back. Always."
But the story's not over. You know what they say - the third time's the charm...
This week, VP-Elect Biden's office announced that Alan Hoffman will be back in Washington, this time working in the White House as VP-Elect Biden's Deputy Chief of Staff.
Congratulations (again!), Mr. Hoffman. We're glad you bounced back to DC, too.