http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2011/02/white-house-anno...

The White House made history in two ways Friday, when it announced Jeremy Bernard as its new social secretary -- the first man and the first openly gay person to fill that role.

Bernard, who is currently the Senior Advisor to the Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, will replace Julianna Smoot, the White House announced.

"Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People's House, one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways. We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America's arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House," President Obama said in a statement.

Bernard previously worked as the White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities and was also a member of the Democratic National Committee. He is the administration's third social secretary. Desiree Rogers, who left post early last year, was the first African-American social secretary. Smoot will move to become a deputy campaign manager in Obama's re-election effort.

"I am deeply humbled to join the White House staff as Social Secretary and support President Obama and the First Lady in this role," Bernard said in a statement. "I have long admired the arts and education programs that have become hallmarks of the Obama White House and I am eager to continue these efforts in the years ahead."

The East Wing has had high turnover at the top ranks over the past year and a half. Susan Sher, first lady Michelle Obama's first chief of staff, left in January and was replaced by Tina Tchen. Smoot replaced Rogers as social secretary in February of last year. Camille Johnston, former communications director, left in August and was replaced by Kristina Schake in December.

Bernard, who has been active in gay rights organizations, was a prominent fundraiser for the Obama presidential campaign in California. His selection marked a second decision by Obama this week that delighted gay rights activists.

Obama chose Bernard only two days after the administration announced it would no longer defend the Defense of Marriage Act, the federal law that bans recognition of same-sex marriage.

The two decisions, combined with Obama's signing the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" in December, could help energize a largely-Democratic constituency, and perhaps delay gay activists' push for the president to declare his support for same-sex marriage.

Fred Sainz, spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, emphasized that Bernard's qualifications, not his sexual orientation, were what should be highlighted, but added, "You can't help but notice the significance" of the two moves.

But John Aravosis, a gay rights activist and blogger, downplayed the significance, asking, "Are we setting our sights just a tad too low when we go all euphoric that a gay man is now the White House party planner?"

Here is the full White House press release:

"The White House today announced Jeremy Bernard has been named Special Assistant to the President and Social Secretary. He joins the White House staff from the U.S. Embassy in Paris, where he serves as Senior Advisor to the Ambassador. Prior to this role, he worked as the White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities.

'Jeremy shares our vision for the White House as the People's House, one that celebrates our history and culture in dynamic and inclusive ways. We look forward to Jeremy continuing to showcase America's arts and culture to our nation and the world through the many events at the White House,' the President said.

'I am deeply humbled to join the White House staff as Social Secretary and support President Obama and the First Lady in this role,' said Jeremy Bernard. "I have long admired the arts and education programs that have become hallmarks of the Obama White House and I am eager to continue these efforts in the years ahead.'

'I look forward to working with Jeremy to continue the great work of the Social Office, from fun and educational student workshops to elegant State Dinners that welcome world leaders to the White House. Jeremy's creativity, perspective and skills will be a welcome addition to our East Wing team, as we showcase the White House and celebrating America's arts and culture," said Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama.

'What stood out in Jeremy's work at the National Endowment for the Humanities was his humor, good will, and high standard of professionalism,' said National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman Jim Leach.

A native of San Antonio, Texas, Bernard currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Ambassador at the U.S. Embassy of Paris. He served as the White House Liaison to the National Endowment for the Humanities from 2008 to 2010. Previously, Bernard was a California Finance Consultant for the Obama for American campaign. He was a Principal of B&G Associates from 2007 to 2009, Vice-President of Mapleton Investments from 1999 to 2006 and Director of Government Affairs of Falcon Cable TV from 1996 to 2006. Appointed by President Clinton, Bernard served on the President's Advisory Committee on the Arts for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and was a member of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2009. He previously served as a board member of A.N.G.L.E. (Access Now for Gay & Lesbian Equality) and the National Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. He was also a member of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's LGBT Advisory Committee, the Los Angeles Police LGBT Advisory Committee and the Los Angeles Mayor's LGBT Advisory Committee."