doi:10.7916/1mfm-m535Oral history interview with Alan O. Fitts, 2021Fitts, Alan Ooral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidents--Inauguration.--United StatesPresidents--FamilyVisits of state--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesFitts, Alan OObama, BarackObama, Michelle, 1964-Robinson, MarianUnited States. Department of StateAlan Fitts reflects on his work in the Obama administration, in which he served in several roles including trip director for the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2012. He describes the role of the East Wing in the administration, and shares memories from many notable domestic and foreign trips, including those to England, Haiti, Spain, South Africa, Botswana, China, Japan, and Qatar. Fitts provides details about the responsibilities of his position, and outlines the work of advance staffers both on the campaign trail and in support of the first family. Also discussed are the first family's relationship to the Secret Service, private outings, vacations, and celebrations, the role of Marian Robinson in the White House, and operational aspects of the 2009 inaugural balls