While many of us show up to work in cubicles tucked within bland office buildings, a chosen group of talented men and women spend long hours toiling for a singularly high-profile boss: the president. They work to enact policy changes and strengthen the bond between the president and the people. They document the world in pictures and help the administration operate like a tightly run ship. They seem perpetually tied to their BlackBerries. And no matter whether they work for a Republican or Democrat, the people employed by the president of the United States share at least one thing in common: A serious commitment to serving the American people. Here, a small selection of some of the bright minds who are currently working for President Barack Obama—what brought them to the White House, their roles, their expectations and their experiences.
CECILIA MUÑOZ
DIRECTOR OF WHITE HOUSE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
What is your role at the White House?
I am deputy assistant to the president and director of intergovernmental affairs. It’s a long title, but it means that I work with governors, mayors and other leaders of state, local and tribal governments.
What led you to your current position?
I worked at a civil rights organization, the National Council of La Raza, for 20 years, directing its public policy operation, which gave me a wonderful opportunity to understand a range of policy issues, as well as the perspectives of a constituency that is near to my heart.
What has surprised you the most working for this president?
I knew it would be demanding, but I underestimated how much fun it would be. My colleagues are brilliant, committed and also very fun.
How have you seen the culture in the White House evolve in the past year?
We’ve all been tempered by the experience of hitting the ground running. When we started our jobs last January, we were already in the thick of dealing with the economic crisis; we were moving the Recovery Act forward while we were still moving into our offices. The pace continues to be just as intense, but we all have a better sense of how to work as a team—and at least now nobody gets lost in the West Wing, which more than a few of us did those first few days.
What has been your most interesting or compelling White House experience?
There are really more compelling experiences than I can count. I’m making a concerted effort to treasure small moments that have deep meaning. One of my favorite moments from the first year was when we invited a Navajo Code Talker to a bill-signing ceremony on a land-use issue. We invited him for his service during World War II, but also because this bill was going to bring running water to his home for the very first time. The president introduced him to the crowd—it was incredibly moving. And of course I will never, ever forget meeting Justice Sotomayor.
Was The West Wing a good primer for working at the White House, or was it a source of gross misinformation?
My family is addicted to watching The West Wing—we had just finished season four when I took this job. It is very, very realistic in the sense that it captures the pace of the place, and it captures the sense of inspiration we feel working here.
What sort of presence does Michelle Obama bring to the mansion?
It is hard for me to talk about the first lady without gushing. She is brilliant, but she is also incredibly warm and normal; I find her very inspiring. I feel very fortunate to be part of the mentoring program she established for girls in local high schools; they are matched with senior White House women for a variety of activities. It’s wonderful to watch her in action with our mentees; she is really determined to help the local community feel that the White House is the people’s house.
What do you do to try to achieve balance in your life—to escape the White House bubble?
The best advice I got from a former member of the senior staff was that I could do this job and still see my children—I have two wonderful teenage girls—if I embraced the notion that this would be all I do. He was right: I work, and I see my family—that’s it. I had to pretty much give up everything else.
What do you think will be the biggest change in your life when you leave this job?
I think my husband will enjoy the possibility that I might cook dinner during the week again.
Have you felt the presence—literal or otherwise—of the ghosts of presidents past?
There’s a place under the colonnade between the West Wing and the Residence—it’s a small ramp where there clearly used to be steps. I realized one day that it was put there for FDR, because the president has to go that way to get home every evening, and he used a wheelchair. That stops me in my tracks every time.
Why do you think you were hired to work there—what are your strengths?
My previous job gave me a clear perspective on how government, at its best, can help people achieve their greatest aspirations. It gave me important skills as an advocate as well. I got to know the president when he served in the Senate, and I’m very grateful that he values both my expertise and my commitment to making sure all Americans are well served by their government.
What would you describe as “a normal day” in the White House?
I have yet to think of any day as “normal,” because each day brings new and often unexpected adventures. But each day I’m part of meetings to coordinate with the senior staff of the White House, as well as with my colleagues in the Office of Public Engagement and with my own intergovernmental affairs team. There’s a tremendously collaborative spirit among the White House staff, and that contributes enormously to our ability to get the job done.
How tough or easygoing a boss is Barack Obama?
He’s a wonderful boss; but he’s also visibly aware that the country is going through difficult times. He inspires us to use every moment as wisely as possible to move the ball forward and get results for the people we serve.
Who among the bosses, chiefs and managers is the most vocal or visible?
This may be surprising, but we think a lot less about visibility than we do about everyone’s ability to have impact. Some of the strongest voices on the White House staff are people who are not in the limelight at all.
Who is the most interesting/memorable person you have encountered in the White House so far?
I’m very lucky to work directly for Valerie Jarrett, who has built a really amazing, collegial team. She has this amazing combination of strength and grace which I admire every single day.
How do you think the public’s perception of life in the White House differs from the reality?
I think people might underestimate how much collaboration it takes to get things done. We work with Congress, we work across federal agencies, and we work very closely with governors, mayors, state legislators and others from both sides of the aisle. It’s hard work, but we’re proud that the first year has brought measurable results.
How palpable is the sense of history for you when, say, you poke your head into the Oval Office or the Roosevelt Room?
I get the shivers every time. I think the time that you stop feeling awe at working in this building is the time to move on to something else. It’s an extraordinary privilege to walk these halls and do your best for your country.
What is your favorite spot in the White House?
The Rose Garden is beautiful—you walk right by it to get from the West Wing to the rest of the complex. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of walking by. And I read that Thomas Jefferson used to eat lunch in the Green Room, which is an amazing thing to picture.
How many hours a day do you find yourself having to work?
I spend about 12 hours in the office every day, and most days I take work home as well.