Don Gips
U.S. Ambassador to South Africa (since July 2009)
-
Text Size
(Presidential Personnel Office)
The former gatekeeper to jobs in the Obama administration left the White House for a new administration role: Obama's ambassador to South Africa. The former FCC international chief represents America's best interests as the promising developing nation tries to become an African standout.
Once the most popular man in Washington, as the all-powerful director of presidential personnel (PPO), Gips had the resumes of hundreds of thousands of eager people who wanted a job in Barack Obama's administration. He and his staff of 40 had to say no to 1,000 people for every one person they hired.
- Career History: White House Director of Presidential Personnel (January 2009 to July 2009); Member of Barack Obama's transition team (August 2008 to January 2009); Vice president of global corporate development at Level 3 Communications (1998 to 2008); Director of domestic policy for Vice President Al Gore (1997 to 1998); Head of the International Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (1994 to 1997)
- Hometown: Highland Park, Ill.
- Alma Mater: Harvard University, B.A., 1982; Yale University, MPPM, 1989
- Spouse: Liz Berry
- Web site
Featured Blogs & Columns
The Post Most: PoliticsMost-viewed stories, videos and galleries int he past two hours
Campaign 2012 tools
