Leif Elsmo discusses his career in community economic development and university and hospital administration, and reflects on his relationships with Michelle and Barack Obama. Elsmo focuses on his work at Public Allies and in various positions at University of Chicago Medicine (formerly the University of Chicago Medical Center), and speaks widely about Michelle Obama's attributes as a leader and th eir efforts to expand programming and engagement between the university and the Hyde Park community. Elsmo also shares memories of Barack Obama's local, state, and national political campaigns, and considers Michelle Obama's experience adapting to life in the national political spotlight. Also discussed are the growth of Public Allies and development of national public service programs; Elsmo's work with Public Allies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Michelle Obama's balancing of family, professional, and political life
Leif Elsmo is an American nonprofit executive. In the 1990s, Elsmo worked as a program director at Public Allies, Inc., a nonprofit that operates leadership and community development programs to advance new leadership in nonprofits and community organ izations. In the 2000s, he worked under Michelle Obama at the University of Chicago Medical Center (now University of Chicago Medicine), where he was director for community relations and volunteerism. At the time of the interview, Elsmo was executive director for community and external affairs at University of Chicago Medicine, and had served in that role since 2007
Note
Interviewed by Jacqueline Stewart on July 19, 2021. This interview is part of the University of Chicago: Obama Presidency Oral History
Note (Provenance)
Leif Elsmo, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2023