President-elect Donald Trump announced that Susie Wiles, who managed his reelection campaign, would become his chief of staff. It makes Wiles the first woman to hold the role, the most senior political appointee in the White House with significant power and influence.

P resident-elect Donald Trump’s first key appointment since his victory this week came with a historic choice. He selected Susie Wiles to be his White House chief of staff, making her the first woman appointed to the position.

One journalist who has studied her career sees a connection between her tempestuous childhood and her ability to function inside the chaos of Trump world.