Oral history interview with Andrea K. Mokros, 2020
Abstract
Andrea Mokros discusses her work in the East Wing of the Obama White House, in which she served as director of scheduling and advance to the first lady from 2011 to 2013 and as special assistant to the president and director of strategic planning from 2013 to 2015. Mokros focuses on Michelle Obama's approach to the role of first lady, and describes the strategic and logistical considerations associ ated with many of Mrs. Obama's major public appearances and activities. She outlines the structure of the first lady's office, and provides details about the development of notable East Wing programs and initiatives, including Let's Move!, Joining Forces, Reach Higher, and Let Girls Learn. Mokros also discusses the advance work required for the first lady's international travel, Mrs. Obama's commitment to interacting with children and ordinary people during public appearances, and the relationship between the East and West Wings of the Obama White House
Mokros, Andrea; Obama, Barack; Obama, Michelle, 1964-; Let's Move! (Campaign : U.S.); Let Girls Learn (Program); United States. Office of the First Lady
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2020
Physical Description
69 pages
Note (Biographical)
Andrea Mokros served in a variety of roles during her four years in the Obama White House. She first worked as director of scheduling and advance for First Lady Michelle Obama from 2011 to 2013, and then served as special assistant to the president an d director of strategic planning from 2013 to 2015. In that role, Mokros managed events, scheduling, and liaison work for the first lady's major programs and initiatives. Prior to her work in the Obama administration, Mokros held a variety of positions in state and national politics, including deputy chief of staff to U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, and deputy chief of staff for communications and outreach to Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. At the time of the interview, Mokros is the executive vice president and chief public affairs officer for Fairview Health Services
Note
Interviewed by Mary Marshall Clark on December 17, 2020. This interview is part of the Columbia University: Obama Presidency Oral History
Note (Provenance)
Andrea K. Mokros, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2023