Chief of Staff to the First Lady of the United States

The Chief of Staff to the First Lady of the United States is a position within the Office of the First Lady in the White House Office, responsible for overseeing strategy, operations, and coordination within the First Lady's office and between the East Wing and the White House.

Chief of Staff of the Office of the First Lady
Incumbent Vacant since January 8, 2022
Office of the First Lady of the United States, White House Office
Reports to	First Lady of the United States
Appointer	First Lady of the United States
Formation	1977
First holder	Edith H. J. Dobelle

Historical background

Origins of the role

The role of the First Lady of the United States has evolved over time. During the 19th century, First Ladies primarily focused on social functions and domestic duties​​.^[1][2] This began to shift in the 20th century, particularly under Eleanor Roosevelt, who actively engaged in policy advocacy and public initiatives​.^[2] Roosevelt was the first First Lady to hire a personal secretary, an act that laid the foundation for the future establishment of the Office of the First Lady​​ within the White House Office.^[1][2]

The position of Chief of Staff to the First Lady emerged during the presidency of Jimmy Carter in 1977 when Rosalynn Carter formalized the structure of the Office of the First Lady. She appointed Edith H. J. Dobelle as the first Chief of Staff to the First Lady, who described her role as ensuring the office's smooth operation​​.^[1][2] This development paralleled the growing professionalization of the First Lady’s office​.^[2]

Under subsequent administrations, the chief of staff role expanded to include a wide range of responsibilities. By the late 20th century, First Ladies’ chiefs of staff were integral in managing press relations, social scheduling, and correspondence. The position also became involved in policy development, particularly in administrations where the First Lady undertook advocacy roles, such as Hillary Clinton’s health care initiatives​​.^[2][3]

Role

Core functions

The Chief of Staff to the First Lady is tasked with overseeing daily operations within the Office of the First Lady. This includes managing the work of departments such as policy and projects, scheduling, advance, correspondence, press, and the social office​.^[3] The position also involves coordinating with the White House Chief of Staff and other executive offices, ensuring alignment with the administration’s broader goals​​.^[2][3]

Key responsibilities of the role include:

• Developing and executing strategies for domestic and international initiatives led by the First Lady.
• Acting as a liaison between the First Lady’s office and the West Wing, particularly for joint events or initiatives involving the President​.^[3]
• Supervising staff and ensuring that office activities reflect the First Lady’s priorities and interests​.^[3]
• Representing the First Lady at official functions and media engagements, as needed​.^[3]

The Chief of Staff to the First Lady leads a team of 25 to 30 staff members, depending on the administration. This team is divided into various departments to handle specific functions. The position also involves working closely with external organizations and federal agencies to support the First Lady's initiatives​.^[3]

Evolution of duties

The role’s scope and influence have varied depending on the priorities of each First Lady. For instance:

• Under Nancy Reagan, the office primarily focused on supporting the President's well-being and public image​.^[2]
• During Hillary Clinton’s tenure, the chief of staff played a significant role in coordinating policy initiatives that were deeply integrated with the President’s agenda​.^[2]
• Recent chiefs of staff, such as those serving Michelle Obama and Jill Biden, have been involved in initiatives addressing issues like education, health, and military families​​.^[1][3]

Chiefs of staff to the first lady

Image	Chief	Years	First Lady
	Edith H. J. Dobelle[4]	1979–1981	Rosalynn Carter
	James Rosebush[5]	1981–1986	Nancy Reagan
	Lee L. Verstandig[6]	1986
	Joanne M. Drake[7]	1986–1989
	Susan Porter Rose[8]	1989–1993	Barbara Bush
	Maggie Williams[9]	1993–1997	Hillary Clinton
	Melanne Verveer[10]	1997–2000
	Andrea Ball[11]	2001–2004	Laura Bush
	Anita McBride[12]	2005–2009
	Jackie Norris[13]	2009-?	Michelle Obama
	Susan Sher[14]	?-2011
	Tina Tchen[15]	2011–2017
	Lindsay Reynolds[16]	2017–2020	Melania Trump
	Stephanie Grisham[17]	2020–2021
	Julissa Reynoso Pantaleón[18]	2021–2022	Jill Biden
Vacant January 8, 2022 – January 20, 2025 (3 years, 12 days)
	Hayley Harrison[19]	2025–	Melania Trump

Popular culture

• Kate Mulgrew portrays Susan Sher in The First Lady.^[20]

References

1. "The Chief of Staff to the First Lady". The Chief of Staff Association. December 4, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
2. Eksterowicz, Anthony J; Paynter, Kristen (December 1, 2000). "The evolution of the role and office of the first lady: the movement toward integration with the White House office". The Social Science Journal. 37 (4): 547–562. doi:10.1016/S0362-3319(00)00095-1. ISSN 0362-3319.
3. "Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the First Lady". Center for Presidential Transition. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
4. Monachina, Judith (January 22, 2021). "Front row seat to history: Pittsfield resident shares her experiences as Carter's chief of protocol". The Berkshire Eagle. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
5. Radcliffe, Donnie (November 13, 1985). "First Lady's Staff Chief Quits". Washington Post. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
6. "First Lady Denies Run-ins as Top Aide Quits After 24 Days". Los Angeles Times. February 20, 1986. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
7. "Joanne M. Drake". Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
8. "Susan Porter Rose". Penn State University Libraries. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
9. "Maggie Williams". The Institute of Politics at Harvard University. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
10. "Biography: Melanne Verveer". 1997-2001.state.gov. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
11. "Papers of Andrea (Andi) Ball" (PDF). George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
12. "Anita McBride". Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
13. Allen, Nia-Malika (June 5, 2009). "Michelle's staff shake-up explained". politico.com. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
14. "JUF News : First Family friend/ former advisor, Susan Sher to speak to JUF's King David Society". JUF News.
15. "Tina Tchen to Join Office of the First Lady as Chief of Staff". Washington, DC: The White House Office of the First Lady. January 5, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2011.
16. Zilbermints, Regina (April 7, 2020). "Grisham leaves role as White House press secretary". The Hill. Retrieved April 7, 2020.
17. Bennett, Kate (January 7, 2021). "First lady's chief of staff and former WH press secretary resigns over violent protests". CNN. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
18. "Jill Biden's chief of staff is the president's pick to be ambassador to Spain". Politico. July 27, 2021. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
19. Kilander, Gustaf (November 22, 2024). "Melania Trump announces first big hire for second stint as first lady". The Independent. Retrieved November 23, 2024.
20. Petski, Denise (June 8, 2021). "'The First Lady': Kate Mulgrew To Recur & Cathy Schulman Named Showrunner On Showtime Anthology Series". Deadline. Retrieved November 23, 2024.