WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is naming the CIA's second-ranking official to a top White House national security post.

Obama says Avril Haines is a "model public servant" who is respected across the government. He says that as deputy national security adviser, she will play a critical role in keeping the country save and promoting American interests around the world.

Haines replaces Tony Blinken, who was confirmed by the Senate this week for the No. 2 job at the State Department. The White House post does not require confirmation.

Haines joined the CIA in 2013 after stints in the White House counsel's office and at the State Department. She returns to a White House national security team grappling with the military campaign against the Islamic State, Ukraine and Iranian nuclear negotiations.