Monday, November 24, 2008

Desiree Rogers Named First Black Social Secretary of the White House

From the Chicago Tribune:

Obamas taking Rogers to D.C.
Chicagoan will direct social events at White House
By John McCormick Tribune reporter
November 24, 2008



Chicago businesswoman Desiree Rogers will be named to the position of White House social secretary, a source in President-elect Barack Obama's transition office said Sunday.

Rogers, 49, is a close friend of the Obama family and worked on the fundraising team for the campaign. She has been a fixture on Chicago's social and not-for-profit scene for years.

Last summer, she left her job as president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas to create a financial social networking program at Allstate Insurance Co.

She would be the first African-American to serve in a position that is responsible for working with the first lady on White House functions and ceremonies.

Rogers, who studied at Wellesley College and later earned an MBA from Harvard, was once married to Chicagoan John Rogers, Ariel Capital Management chief and another close Obama friend and fundraiser.

Her first highly visible post was in state government. She managed the lottery for then-Gov. Jim Edgar in the '90s, appearing on TV giving away pots of money.

On Nov. 14, Rogers hosted a birthday party in her Gold Coast condominium that was attended by the Obamas in honor of Valerie Jarrett, another Obama friend who will be going to the White House as a senior adviser.

"Rogers is bright, creative, and has an extraordinary flair for style," Jarrett said. "Her professional track record and her close relationship with the Obamas uniquely qualifies her to create an Obama White House that will foster inclusiveness, vibrancy and energy that will make the White House feel open and welcoming to all."

mccormickj@tribune.com



I have to admit, this does make me go tee hee hee.

The First Black First Lady has a Black Social Secretary.

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