President Obama made history this afternoon by picking Jeremy Bernard to be the next White House social secretary, marking the first time a man -- and an openly gay person -- will hold the job.
“Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People’s House, one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways,” Obama said in a statement. "We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America’s arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House.”
Bernard, who will be the third social secretary of the Obama administration, was an early supporter of the president's 2008 campaign and served as a finance consultant to the campaign. He succeeds Julianna Smoot, who recently stepped down from the post to join the Obama reelection campaign in Chicago.
The president also made history with his first social secretary, Desiree Rogers, who was the first African-American to serve in the position. Rogers's tenure was marred when Tareq and Michaele Salahi famously crashed the state dinner honoring the Indian prime minister.
Bernard is currently serving as the chief of staff to the U.S. Ambassador to France. He previously served as the White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities from 2008 to 2010. He was a principal of B&G Associates from 2007 to 2009, vice president of Mapleton Investments from 1999 to 2006, and director of government Affairs with Falcon Cable TV from 1996 to 2006.
Bernard has also been active in gay rights causes, serving as a board member of A.N.G.L.E. (Access Now for Gay & Lesbian Equality) and the National Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. He was also a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's LGBT Advisory Committee, the Los Angeles Police LGBT Advisory Committee, and the Los Angeles Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee.
“I am deeply humbled to join the White House staff as social secretary and support President Obama and the First Lady in this role,” Bernard said. “I have long admired the arts and education programs that have become hallmarks of the Obama White House, and I am eager to continue these efforts in the years ahead.”
The gay rights advocacy group Human Rights Campaign hailed Bernard’s appointment as historic.
“We celebrate his appointment not merely because of the ground that he is breaking but because we know that he will serve the president and first lady exceptionally well,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.
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