doi:10.7916/f4gb-zp36Oral history interview with Byron G. Auguste, 2021Auguste, Byron Geraldoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesAuguste, Byron GeraldObama, BarackNational Economic Council (U.S.)McKinsey and CompanyPresident's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness (U.S.)Race to the Top (Program : U.S.)United States. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity ActByron Auguste reflects on his time as deputy assistant to the president for economic policy and as deputy director of the National Economic Council. He starts with a biographical account, going over his acquaintance with Vernon Jordan and his experience as the first Black director of McKinsey & Company. He recounts his time in Hope Street Group and the Opportunity Economics Colloquium, through the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness and accepting the National Economic Council position. He talks about the creation of the Race to the Top Package, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and TechHire, UpSkill America and Ready to Work from the Obama administration. He talks about the dynamics between Congress and the White House, the possibilities of government action, and the role of the private sector