By GottaLaff
Desirée Rogers, a prominent Chicago businesswoman and Harvard MBA, will be named the first African American White House social secretary, sources in the presidential transition office said yesterday.
Rogers, 49, is a friend of Michelle and President-elect Barack Obama's, and a leader in Chicago corporate and civic circles; her appointment signals that the first couple consider the job crucial to how they introduce themselves to the country and the globe. She was a major fundraiser for Obama.
"This appointment sends a strong message that the Obamas want to use the White House strategically, to maximize its use in a way that is consistent with their philosophy -- [to] open it to a broader range of people, " said Valerie Jarrett, an Obama intimate and friend of Rogers's who also will work in the White House. "Desirée is a heavy hitter -- she comes with her own range of contacts from around the country. She's close to Michelle and she knows everyone who will be working in the West Wing, so she will be able to create a synergy." [...]
[T]he social secretary's office is responsible for every event or ceremony that occurs in the White House or on the grounds.
Ann Stock, a social secretary in the Clinton White House:
"It's like running a small agency," said Stock, who briefed Rogers on the job last week. "Her business savvy, her marketing skills will all come into play. Her close relationship with the Obamas is very important because she comes to the job already understanding their preferences." [...]
Rogers is also committed to making the White House a fun place for the Obama daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, sources said. Most important, the Obamas and Rogers will develop creative ways to bring a broad spectrum of people through the White House, "so it's the people's house again," Jarrett said. "This campaign engaged a lot of people in ways they had not engaged before. This is about continuing to capture that excitement."
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