Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett is a Chicago-area businesswoman and civic leader. Jarrett was officially named Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Relations and Public Liaison by President-elect Barack Obama. She worked with Obama as a senior adviser during his campaign and held the title of co-chair on his transition team.Political Ticker (CNN): Obama Team Announces Jarrett As Senior Advisor (November 15, 2008)

On March 11, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. Jarrett has been appointed head of the council, while Tina Tchen will be managing the daily operations. Political Punch: Obama to Women: 'No Limits on Their Dreams' (March 11, 2009)

"Barack's management style promotes open, candid, provocative discussion in a setting where his advisers all feel safe opening up and sharing their opinions. Barack leads the discussion, but if one or two people are not weighing in, he will ask them their thoughts.''—Valerie Jarrett

"She participates in every conversation we have in the campaign. She is involved in broad strategic decisions about our message and how we approach the campaign, and she's involved in the details of managing the organization. She's really a great utility player.''—Barack Obama