The White House promoted Deesha Dyer Thursday to the post of Social Secretary from her current position as deputy of that office.
A native of Philadelphia, Ms. Dyer previously worked as deputy director and hotel program director in the White House Office of Scheduling and Advance. She came to the White House as an intern in 2009.
“Deesha shares our commitment to a White House that reflects America’s history, highlights our culture, and celebrates all Americans,” President Obama said in a statement. “Michelle and I look forward to working with her in this new role as we welcome visitors from across the country and around the world to the People’s House.”
Ms. Dyer said she is “constantly inspired by the openness, diversity, and traditions of this administration” and looks forward to leading the office responsible for everything from State Dinners to East Room concerts. Mrs. Obama said she is impressed with her “passion, creativity, public-mindedness and relentless competence.”
Ms. Dyer, 37, is replacing Jeremy Bernard, the office’s first male and openly gay social secretary, who announced he would step down at the end of the month. She attended the Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania before receiving a community college degree in women’s studies, and her jobs have included a stint as a freelance journalist covering East Coast hip-hop culture.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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