Obama adds former WH staffer Abraham as foundation adviser – Politico
Barack Obamas aim is to avoid engaging with Trump or doing much politically in the years ahead. | Getty
Barack Obama is continuing to staff his post-presidency with top aides from his presidency, adding Yohannes Abraham as a senior adviser to the Obama Foundation.
Hes coming on for whats expected to be an at least six-month stint as the top deputy to foundation chief executive officer David Simas, Obamas former White House political director.
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According to a foundation official, Abraham will help run day-to-day operations, focusing on building the structure and then recruiting and managing the staff. He'll also work closely with foundation executive director Robbin Cohen, who previously worked for former Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzkers private real estate interests.
Abraham was chief of staff to top Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett running the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. He also served as a senior adviser to the National Economic Council.
We always asked Yohannes to take on our toughest, most important projects, and he always always exceeded our expectations, said Jarrett. That's why it's no surprise that President Obama asked him to help lay the groundwork for his foundation. I have no doubt Yohannes will tackle this with his characteristic intellect, work ethic, sound judgment, and commitment to excellence."
Abrahams time with Obama goes back to the 2008 campaign.
Since returning from his post-White House vacation last month, Obamas spent most of his time at his new office about a mile from the White House, deciding what his foundation will start out working on and preparing to write a book for which he and his wife signed a $30 million contract last weekall while attempting to stay out of the fray, despite President Donald Trump drawing him in over unsupported accusations on Twitter over the weekend.
Obamas aim, though, is to avoid engaging with Trump or doing much politically in the years ahead, with the aspirations of building a decades-long post-presidency that will compete with his presidency for significance.
I have seen few people who combine exceptional talent, ability to manage people and process to get things done, and fundamental decency like Yohannes, said Jeff Zients, Obamas last director of the National Economic Council.
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Obama adds former WH staffer Abraham as foundation adviser - Politico