UPDATE: The leading candidate to replace Rogers is Julianna Smoot, according to ABC News. Smoot is the chief of staff for U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk.
Breakups are always so awkward, aren’t they?
White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers will wave adieu to the Obama brand next month when she leaves her administration post.
“As we turn the corner on the first year,” Rogers told columnist Lynn Sweet of the Chicago Sun-Times Friday, “this is a good time for me to explore opportunities in the corporate world.”
The reason? Rogers said she was departing after laying the framework for turning the White House into the “people’s house”
“I think I completed that work,” she said. “Our office has been able to lay the foundation for what will be known as the ‘people’s house’ and it has already taken shape.”
In addition, while the Secret Service took a hefty chunk of the blame for the November White House gatecrashing incident involving reality-TV wannabes Tareq and Michaele Salahi and promoter Carlos Allen at the Obama administration’s first state dinner, Rogers came under fire during the controversy as well.
Secret Service head Mark Sullivan and even the Salahis testified before Congress (the latter mainly pleading the Fifth,) but the White House shielded the Social Secretary from going before the House Homeland Security committee.
The President and first lady praised Rogers for the terrific job she has done in a statement.
“She organized hundreds of fun and creative events during her time here, and we will miss her,” the Obamas said. “We thank her again for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
