by Mark Silva
President Barack Obama, as expected, has named Julianna Smoot to serve as social secretary for the White House.
The announcement today follows the departure of Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, who was credited for running an open White House -- too open, perhaps, at one State Dinner where three uninvited guests showed up. Rogers' resignation was announced Friday.
Smoot has served as chief of staff for the Office of the United States Trade Representative isince February, had been co-chair of the Presidential Inaugural Committee and was national finance director for Obama's presidential campaign. Before that, she had been finance director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Smoot was a senior adviser to former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, and the North Carolina native served as finance director for former Sen.John Edwards' bid for the Senate. She also has worked for Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.). She has a bachelor's degree in government from Smith College.
"Julianna shares our commitment to creating an inclusive, dynamic and culturally vibrant White House, and Michelle and I are pleased to have her join our team," Obama said in a statement issued by the White House today.
Smoot voiced humility and excitment about the new role.
"Over the last year, I have had the honor of building relationships in the international community through my work at USTR, and I am looking forward to implementing this experience at the White House., '' she said in an issued statement.
Smoot will work in the East Wing of the White House, where the first lady and staff oversee the social functions of a residence that has served as a stage for several musical events during Obama's first term and has opened the garden to schoolchildren. The new director has an Easter Egg Roll on her hands soon.
"Julianna Smoot brings extraordinary organization and people skills to the role, and sharp attention to detail - all attributes critical to the highly complex responsibilities of the White House Social Secretary,'' Susan Sher, chief of staff for the first lady, said today. "I know that she will continue on the path of creating beautiful events and opening up the White House in new and creative ways that have been established this past year.''
Comments
She's white and should be able to do no wrong.
Posted by: Chelle7822 | February 27, 2010 3:33 PM
Wow, Smoot has worked for Edwards, Dudd, Daschle, Durbin. All are either crooks or louses, or both. She ought to fit in real well at this White House.
Posted by: John D | February 27, 2010 3:56 PM
As even politico.com pointed out, the bottom line here is that Obama put one of his fundraisers as social secretary so that Oama's big bucks donors will get instant access to the White House.
Reform this isn't.
Change this isn't.
Posted by: Equal time | February 27, 2010 4:29 PM
And, Equal time, we should abandon hope as well.
Posted by: DaveB | February 27, 2010 9:25 PM
SPEAKING OF NEW INVITATIONS:
AND NEXT MONTH WITCHES WHO RIDE BROOMS, CHILD MOLESTERS AND TREE WORSHIPERS!!!
Obama aides to meet with atheists on White House grounds
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/02/25/88475/obama-aides-to-meet-with-atheists.html
Posted by: Bobby Mobbie | February 28, 2010 9:26 AM
When you go out of your way to hire people based on race so you can brag about having the first Black to hold that position, you get the embarrasment that Desiree Rogers is and was.
Posted by: Steve C | February 28, 2010 12:00 PM