More significant than being the highest-ranking woman in the White House and having a sweeping portfolio is the simple fact that Jarrett is a close friend and confidant of both the president and the first lady. Their ties began 18 years ago when Jarrett, then deputy chief of staff to Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, hired Michelle Robinson shortly before she married Obama. A graduate of Stanford University and the University of Michigan Law School, Jarrett worked for two law firms before holding senior posts with the city of Chicago. After working for the city for eight years, Jarrett, 52, who was born in Iran to American parents and grew up in Chicago, left to be executive vice president and eventually CEO of the Habitat Co., which develops and manages residential property. Having navigated the rough-and-tumble world of Chicago politics, she became a top adviser to the Obama presidential campaign and co-chair of the transition team. Political consultant Erik Smith said, "She has the right balance of business acumen and political instinct to really be a guiding force."
Established: 1789
Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20500
Phone: 202-456-1414
Website: www.whitehouse.gov
Functions: The Office of the President provides advice and administrative support to the president.
