White House Correspondents Insider

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

Capricia Marshall To Leave State Dept. By End of Summer

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Capricia Marshall, Cheryl Mills and Chelsea Clinton

Capricia Marshall is out of the newly-minted John Kerry State Department sometime at the end of the summer. Speaking to the Reliable Source on Monday, the soon-to-be-former-Chief-of-Protocol issued a non-offcial announcement and reminded readers that she’s a long-time member of Hillary Clinton‘s team. She’s spent the last 20 years working for the former Secretary of State, and may join her depending on decisions for the 2016 race with this kicker to the Source: “If she decides to run, I’ll be behind her 100 percent.”

Well, as everyone in D.C. knows–even Presidents on the campaign trail–just be careful to watch where you’re running before you follow someone down there.

Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellows honored at State Department

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The Benjamin Franklin diplomatic room at the U.S. Department of State was filled with past and future dignitaries and diplomats to honor the 10th anniversary of the Pamela Harriman Foreign Service fellowship program.  In partnership with the College of William & Mary, they provide “funding for students interning over the summer in the U.S. Embassies in London, Paris, or the Secretary of State’s Office in Washington, D.C.”  Pamela Harriman was married to the son of British P.M. Winston Churchill and later became the U.S. Ambassador to France; she passed away in 1997. Her granddaughter, Jennie Churchill, thrilled the gathering by greeting guests and fellows alike.

Welcoming the star-studded crowd was President Obama’s Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Capricia Marshall, described the Ambassador as “proud to be an American by choice” and retold the story of the first time she met Ambassador Harriman: “She was the first person who hosted President Clinton and Mrs. Clinton for dinner at her home in Georgetown and I remember that moment meeting her and thinking, what an extraordinary person, so poised and elegant, I really think I’m going to like Washington.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who was traveling, sent a letter that Ambassador Marshall read to the crowd: “…this fellowship remains a vital tool of diplomacy.  With a myriad of challenges we face around the world, it is essential that we cultivate a new generation of young leaders who will work together to find solutions, forge peace, and foster prosperity…. Ambassador Harriman was an extraordinary woman whose dedication to public service remains an inspiration.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein called Pamela Harriman, “A true original. She sought out new challenges with dedication and enthusiasm.  She traveled the world and discovered how dialogue, communication, and clear understanding of history and culture could bridge differences between foes and lead to mutual, beneficial solutions.”

Jennie Churchill told the rapt crowd, “Having lived through the Second World War and been closely involved with my great grandfather, Sir. Winston Churchill, Pamela understood the importance of diplomacy and politics to peace and life in a democratic world. From her husband, Averell Harriman, who was governor of New York, and a leading diplomat, Pam also learned much about world politics and met leaders on both sides of the Iron Curtain.  She lived a fascinating life, at the forefront of world events.”

His Excellency Francois Marie Delattre, Ambassador of the French Republic; President Emeritus Timothy J. Sullivan of the College of William & Mary; Governor James Blanchard, also spoke fondly of their time with Ambassador Harriman and her impeccable ability to serve with grace and dignity.

Janet Howard, who served as Director of Mrs. Harriman’s political committee and Chief of Staff for many years, was recognized from the podium for her incredible work on behalf of the fellowship program. Howard recently retired as Vice President at the Coca Cola Company.

After the remarks, 14 former fellows joined for a group photo, many of whom have gone on to public service and will continue Ambassador Harriman’s legacy. Other guests included Ina Ginsberg, Sen. Chuck Robb and Linda Robb, Stuart Eizenstat, Ambassador Lloyd and Ann Hand, Marc Adelman, Allen Fleishman, Bob Barnett, Candy Stroud,  Liz Stevens, Ann Jordan, Dr. Billington, Bill and Dorthy McSweeny, and former Speaker Tom Foley and wife, Heather.

Check out more photos from the event:

Satterfield: New Cultural Liaison at State

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Lee Satterfield and Matthew Morrison at Gordon Brown Book Party, Dec. 2010

There’s a new Deputy in town! Lee Satterfield has been named Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Professional and Cultural Exchanges in the Office of Education and Cultural Affairs at the State Department. Satterfield has served as the Deputy Chief of Protocol since 2009.

In her new position she will work closely with Assistant Secretary Ann Stock to implement cultural diplomacy through art, music, dance, and sports, as well as professional and youth exchanges. These exchange programs engage youth, artists, athletes and emerging leaders in many fields in the United States and in more than 160 countries.

Satterfield also served in the Clinton Administration in several capacities, including Special Assistant to the President and Staff Director for The White House Office of Public Liaison, Special Assistant to the President and Presidential Scheduler for President Clinton and Scheduler for Vice President Gore. Satterfield also served as Director of Convention Planning for the Democratic National Convention Committee where she oversaw the site selection process for the 2004 Democratic National Convention held in Boston, Massachusetts.