So last month SJP put up a post about the departure of Jackie Norris as First Lady Michelle Obama’s Chief of Staff. Norris said she was leaving because she felt too constrained. As a general practice anytime someone leaves a relatively high position in government, I assume there is a much more interesting back story that will eventually come out. Now that the back story is out, I am SO. NOT. SURPRISED 
It appears that Norris bumped heads with the charismatic and outspoken White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers and Norris LOST.
One early miscalculation on Norris’ s part was that she tried to take on Desiree Rogers, a close friend of the first lady, insisting that the social secretary report to her. The disagreement culminated in what one aide described as a “blowup.” Valerie Jarrett, aide to the president and a friend of both women, had to step in and smooth over a conflict that many thought should never have been engaged. “We brought in people with strong personalities and passions,” Norris said. “Disagreements are inevitable.” Source
Wow, who knew the Social Secretary was such a powerful position?
Anywhoo, I don’t think it reflects poorly on Norris in anyway. Norris is only 37 years-old. She’ll bounce back in another position. I’m sure she learned a great deal during her time as Chief of Staff.
I’ll do another post on this article since they also confirmed one of the assumptions I made when we started this blog.
Posted by Gina
5 Comments, Comment or Ping
rikyrah
I went ‘ Uh huh’, when I read this story.
Knew there was a backstory..LOL
I’ll keep it clean here..LOL
Jun 30th, 2009
Dee
Well, I’d like to wish Jackie the very best in all her future endeavours. No doubt, her experience in the White House will stand her in great stead, so more than likely it’ll be a case of all’s well that end’s well.
And.
If it Is true that she tried to “insist” on Desiree reporting in to her, I’d have to say that, yes, that’s a “miscalculation” and a half, from where I’m sitting. Maybe treading lightly and getting the lie of the land first before thinking to “insist” would have been more advantageous; standard workplace etiquette, even if the workplace is the White House….
Jul 2nd, 2009
admin
Nah Nah nah Dee you need to head over to the BlackSnob for another take on Miss Desiree. I won’t elaborate further, but I don’t think Jackie was all that out of line to ask that the person most responsible for the public image of the First Lady report to the First Lady’s Chief of Staff.
Over here, we are fiercely protective of the First Lady so people will likely be inclined to think Norris did something wrong. I actually think on a rational level it made sense, but on a workplace politics level is was a strategic error. one she clearly paid for. In addition, I can’t say that Norris didn’t have the First Lady’s best interest at heart. Only time will tell, but keep your eyes on this situation.I’m worried about the East Wing, but I will hold my peace and hope for the best.
http://blacksnob.com/snob_blog/2009/6/30/dont-make-desiree-rogers-angry-you-wouldnt-like-her-when-she.html
Jul 2nd, 2009
Alicia from Ohio
I liked the excuse of wanting to spend more time with her family better. “Can’t we all just get along”? Hope it all works out. FLOTUS does not need the stress.
Jul 3rd, 2009
Dee
Hey there, Admin, I read what you said with interest. Yes, I’m due to head over to Black Snob, anyway…it’s one of my other regular ports of call! Danielle Belton, is just phenomenal.
(If true) I don’t see Jackie’s stance as being in any way out of line, and agree that “…on a rational level it made sense.”
However, workplaces can be very “funny” places, which is why I made the point of saying that if it is true (in the first place, as I tend to be inclined to take such stories with more than a pinch of salt) thinking to “insist” early on in your tenure in a new role on something like the Desiree move was a “miscalculation” and a half. It can take time to properly sound things out, and treading lightly early on can pay very high dividends later on…..
I’m not one of those people who thinks that Jackie “did something wrong” at all. To repeat, I wish her well in all her future endeavours, and am sure that her White House experience – allied to her considerable skills, expertise, and prior experience – will serve her extremely well.
I have no worries about the East Wing, myself. It’s still very early days, and it takes time for things to settle. To date, those involved in ensuring that the First Lady is best placed to give of her very best, and shine, have done so overwhelmingly well. Here’s to their continued success.
Jul 3rd, 2009