2010022505

NC Woman Named White House Social Secretary

By Lois Alley, The Raleigh Telegram

Week Of Thursday, February 25, 2010

WASHINGTON DC - According to the White House press office, a North Carolina native has been named to the position of Social Secretary for President Barack Obama.

The White House announced over the weekend that Julianna Smoot was named as the new Deputy Assistant to the President and Social Secretary. She joins the White House staff from the office of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, where she serves as Chief of Staff, says the Obama administration.

“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,” President Obama said in a released statement.

“I am humbled and excited to take on the role of White House Social Secretary and support the Obama administration in a different capacity,” said Julianna Smoot in a statement released through the White House.

“Over the last year, I have had the honor of building relationships in the international community through my work at the US Trade Representative [Office], and I am looking forward to implementing this experience at the White House,” she added.

Smoot was also complemented by Michelle Obama’s Chief of Staff.

“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,” said said Susan Sher, Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama.

“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. I’m pleased to welcome her to the East Wing,” she added.

A native of North Carolina, Smoot has worked in and out of Washington for several years and is a graduate of Smith College.

Prior to joining the Administration, Smoot served as finance director for the Obama Campaign, says the administration.

She has also worked for Senators Schumer, Durbin, Reid and Rockefeller in Congress.

:: END