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.
LAWRENCE JACKSON
OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER
What is your role at the White House?
To photographically document, for history, President Obama’s administration and presidency.
What led you to your current position?
I started out as a newspaper photographer for The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk, Va. in 1990. And went on to become a wire photographer in 2000 for The Associated Press in Boston and then eventually here in D.C. in 2002. I helped covered the Bush administration for six years so had some understanding of what was happening.
Who is the most interesting/memorable person you have encountered in the White House so far?
The White House residence staff: the butlers, chefs, electricians, ushers, etc. Some of these people have been here for 45 years or more, and they’ve seen presidents come and go. They are the real institutions.
What has been your most interesting or compelling White House experience?
Getting to see two of the Seven Wonders of the World: the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Wall of China were great to see.
How palpable is the sense of history for you in the White House?
It usually hits me when I’m by myself. I could be anywhere—Oval Office, Blue Room, Colonnade or State Dining Room—but my moments of pause are when I think about the people who’ve been here before. Or what may have happened in that room.
What is your favorite spot in the White House?
The Palm Room. It’s a breezeway-type room that connects the Colonnade and West Wing to the main White House. It’s always the perfect temperature, smells like fresh flowers and has great light.
What sort of presence does Michelle Obama bring to the White House?
Class. Style. Humor. An inspiration to others. Compassion. I could go on!
What would you describe as “a normal day” in the White House?
I couldn’t begin to answer “normal,” but a good day is where we make pictures that capture real moments that will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
How tough or easygoing a boss is Barack Obama?
My experience has always been easygoing. For all the demands placed on President Obama, he still makes time for and is considerate of people.
What has surprised you the most working for this president?
See above: For all the demands placed on President Obama, he still makes time for and is considerate of people.
How have you seen the culture in the White House evolve in the past year?
Not much. The staff are still the same hard working people they were when they started.
Who among the bosses, chiefs and managers is the most vocal or visible?
My boss, Pete Souza, would qualify for both. No one is more vocal than he is about being in the room to document as much as possible of this presidency and administration. And more often than not, Pete is (in)visible behind the scenes with President Obama.
Was The West Wing a good primer for work at the White House, or was it a source of gross misinformation?
I didn’t really watch the show until the final season, but will say I didn’t see much representation of the White House staff photographers.
Have you felt the presence—literal or otherwise—of the ghosts of presidents past?
No, but I have a co-worker who feels differently ;-).
How many hours a day do you find yourself having to work?
Let’s just say my kids still recognize me when I come home.
What do you do to try to achieve balance in your life?
Spending time with my family. We try to vacation in Vermont during the summer and visit family throughout the year in Virginia. And I’ll be taking my wife to Paris for our 10th wedding anniversary!
What do you think will be the biggest change in your life when you leave this job?
It’s hard to say until I get there, but I hope to leave the job as a better photographer, a wiser person and to have seen a few more of the world’s wonders.