White House Correspondents Insider

Behind the scenes of the most powerful city in the world — Washington, D.C. — and those who cover it.

WHCInsider Podcast — Treating People Well: Lessons from the White House

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WHC Insider’s Tammy Haddad spoke with two Former White House Social Secretaries about their new book on civility and social skills, Treating People Well: The Extraordinary Power of Civility at Work and in Life.

Lea Berman, who worked for George and Laura Bush, and Jeremy Bernard, who worked for Michelle and Barack Obama, are the ultimate White House Insiders.

Join us as we talk about how to deal with awkward situations, how to not take things personally (or too seriously), and how not to behave while a guest at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Rachel Greenberg’s Conversation with Former White House Social Secretaries for Bush and Obama on Treating People Well

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Jeremy Bernard, Rachel Greenberg, and Lea Berman, photo courtesy Haddad Media

 

Volta Insider host Rachel Greenberg met with Jeremy Bernard and Lea Berman, both former White House Social Secretaries, about their new book Treating People Well: The Extraordinary Power of Civility at Work and in Life, which takes a look at the ins-and-outs of professional and personal etiquette.

Jeremy Bernard served as President Obama’s Social Secretary from 2011–2015, and Lea Berman served as Social Secretary for the George W. Bush White House from 2004–2007. She is also the creator of the blog, America’s Table, which is “about the pleasures of cooking and entertaining, with a dash of White House tradition thrown in.”

Greenberg got the scoop on working at the White House with presidents and First Ladies, got advice on etiquette, and learned what it means to “radiate calm”.

You can listen to the latest episode of Volta Insider here.

Order The Extraordinary Power of Civility at Work and in Life here.

Connie Milstein Hosts Jeremy Bernard and Lea Berman, Former White House Social Secretaries, to Celebrate their New Book Treating People Well

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Jeremy Bernard, Judith Light, and Lea Berman at The Little Owl, photo courtesy Haddad Media

 

Jeremy Bernard and Lea Berman, two former White House Social Secretaries, celebrated the publication of their new how-to book on civility and etiquette, Treating People Well: The Extraordinary Power of Civility at Work and in Life, at a party hosted by Connie Milstein at Greenwich Village’s Little Owl townhouse on Wednesday, January 10th.

Jeremy Bernard served as President Obama’s Social Secretary from 2011–2015, and Lea Berman served as Social Secretary for the George W. Bush White House from 2004–2007.

Actress Judith Light, a friend of Bernard’s, wowed the crowd with her welcome remarks and a glowing review of the book saying, “This may be the manuscript that changes the world.”

Jeremy Bernard and Lea Berman Book Party Treating People Well 1/10/18

Lea Berman said of writing the book with Jeremy Bernard, “I expanded my horizons by writing this book. I came with him to Morning Joe, and he came with me on Fox News.”

Legendary gay activist David Mixner toasted the authors, noting the importance of civility and inclusion.

Helping them celebrate were notables from Washington, New York, and LA including Wayne Berman, Alice Berman, Deesha Dyer, Robert Colacello, Thomas Roberts, Jonathan Capehart and Nick Schmit, Robert Zimmerman, David Adler, Ryan Williams, Tammy Haddad, Nan Graham, Kate Lloyd, Hudson Young, Hildy Kuryk.

You can purchase the book on Amazon here.

Obama Protocol Chief Capricia Marshall Makes a State Splash

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Valerie Jarrett, Desiree Rogers Offer Support

Capricia Marshall and Family

Capricia Marshall and family with Sec. Hillary Clinton

The Ben Franklin Room of the State Department was filled with stars and stargazers, as well as family and friends, as Secretary Hillary Clinton presided over the swearing-in ceremony for her longest-serving aide, Capricia Penivac Marshall, as chief of protocol.

Marshall, the former Clinton White House social secretary and campaign veteran, came to Washington with the Clintons in 1992. Secretary Clinton shared a hilarious Inauguration story about Marshall being stuck outside the White House gate.

It wasn’t just Clinton friends. Top Obama pals Valerie Jarrett, Desiree Rogers, and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Chief of Staff Susan Sher, were there to pay tribute to the newest executive in charge of diplomatic activities for President Obama. Roger’s deputies Ebs Burnough and Joe Reinstein had a crowd of admirers lined up to say hello.

CLICK here to see Marshall’s official list of duties.

Marshall’s protocol team includes some Washington’s savviest veterans, including deputies Lee Satterfield and Dennis Cheng. Her team debuts on the world stage this month with one of the biggest diplomatic gatherings of the year: the G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh.

Obama State Department Ambassadors Elizabeth Bagley (Global Partnerships) and Melanne Verveer (Global Women’s Issues) added their shine to the large crowd. Clinton family members, from mom Dorothy to daughter Chelsea, cheered for their close friend. Marshall’s 9-year old son Cole mugged and husband Rob Marshall looked shocked by Clinton’s shout out to him as “the best cardiologist in the world.”

Parents Frank and Mary Penavic beamed and assorted cousins from her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, watched the ceremony.

Former protocol ambassadors Lucky Roosevelt, Lloyd Hand, Lea Berman, Evan and Kit Dobelle joined former White House Social Secretary Ann Stock and veterans of other administrations in their own mini-reunion

Celebrity guests included: Greta Van Susteren and her husband John Coale, Mandy Grunwald, Janet Howard, Ann Orr, Claire Shipman, Michael Feldman, Melissa Moss and her husband Jonathan Silver.

Pam Stevens, once Condoleezza Rice’s press secretary and now press adviser to Ambassador Nancy Brinker and Race for the Cure, caught up with old friends as Betsy Fischer and other media types worked the room. New York’s fabulous event planner, and Marshall pal, Bronson Van Wyck drew his own crowd.

Terry McAuliffe had a double-barreled receiving line around him; no surprise there. He also hosted a Friday night gathering at his McLean home.

Check out the photo gallery:

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