Valerie Jarrett Appointed Senior White House Aide
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 15, 2008 6:40PM
President-Elect Barack Obama is set to announce long-time campaign adviser Valerie Jarrett as a Senior Aide in the White House. Jarrett has been associated with the Obamas for almost 17 years, going back to before Michelle and Barack got married. Her experience in the city of Chicago (for better or for worse, depending on your point of view), is extensive.
All told, Jarrett served eight years with the city of Chicago, as deputy corporation counsel for finance and development and then as deputy chief of staff. She later became commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development.While it's the same title as campaign head David Axelrod, Jarrett's duties will differ.She also has served as chair of the Chicago Transit Authority board and the board of the Chicago Stock Exchange, as well as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Currently, Jarrett is president and CEO of the Habitat Co., a real estate firm assigned by a federal judge to help make sure the Chicago Housing Authority ends segregation in public housing.
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong