November 25, 2008 Update:
ESSENCE.com has received an exclusive statement from Allstate Insurance Company Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas J. Wilson regarding Desiree Rogers’s new appointment as special assistant to the president-elect as White House social secretary:
“I would like to congratulate Desiree Rogers on being chosen to serve the nation as a member of the White House staff. Our country is at a crossroads, and during this critical time in our nation’s history, we need strong and dynamic leadership, qualities that brought Desiree to Allstate. Desiree had a significant impact in her short time with us, serving as president of social networking for Allstate Financial. She built the foundation for our social network initiative that connects middle-market consumers with other like-minded Americans to share experiences, insights, and wisdom. The company is committed to continuing the fine work she started. On behalf of Allstate, we wish her all the best in her endeavor.”
November 24, 2008: Obama’s transition team has told ESSENCE.com this morning that Desiree Rogers is expected to be named social secretary, a special assistant to the president. Rogers would be in charge of all social functions held at the White House for Obama and would be the first African-American woman to hold the position.
Rogers currently works as president of social networking for Allstate Financial in Chicago and previously worked for the president of Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas.