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{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{short description|Community activist, American former diplomat|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{short description|American community activist and former diplomat|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Patrick Gaspard
|name = Patrick Gaspard
|image = Patrick Gaspard (profile).jpg{{!}}border
|image = Patrick Gaspard aboard Marine One, Aug, 2010. (cropped).jpg
|caption = Gaspard in 2010
|office = [[United States Ambassador to South Africa]]
|office = [[United States Ambassador to South Africa]]
|president = [[Barack Obama]]
|president = [[Barack Obama]]
|term_start = October 16, 2013
|term_end = December 16, 2016
|term_start = October 16, 2013
|term_end = December 16, 2016
|predecessor = [[Donald Gips]]
|successor = [[Lana Marks]]
|predecessor = [[Donald Gips]]
|office1 = White House Director of Political Affairs
|successor = [[Lana Marks]]
|office1 = [[White House Political Director|White House Director of Political Affairs]]
|president1 = [[Barack Obama]]
|president1 = Barack Obama
|term_start1 = January 20, 2009
|term_end1 = February 1, 2011
|term_start1 = January 20, 2009
|term_end1 = February 1, 2011
|predecessor1 = Jonathan Felts
|predecessor1 = Jonathan Felts
|successor1 = [[David Simas]]
|successor1 = [[David Simas]] (2014)
|birth_date = {{birth year and age|1967}}
|birth_name = Patrick Hubert Gaspard
|birth_place = [[Kinshasa]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo-Kinshasa]]
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1967|7|26}}
|death_date =
|birth_place = [[Kinshasa]], [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo-Kinshasa]]
|death_place =
|death_date =
|party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
|death_place =
|education = [[Columbia University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])
|party = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
|education = [[School of Visual Arts]]<br>[[Columbia University]]
}}
}}
'''Patrick Hubert Gaspard'''<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 24, 2013|title=Nominations of the 113th Congress - First Session|url=https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/072413_Transcript_Nominations%20of%20ThomasGreenfield_Entwistle_Haslach_Bridety_Sullivan_Gaspard.pdf|website=<nowiki>[[United States Senate]</nowiki>|pages=3}}</ref> (born July 26, 1967)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/124195/Patrick_Hubert_Gaspard.html | title=Patrick Gaspard - Center for American Progress (July 2021-), President and CEO - Biography &#124; LegiStorm }}</ref> is an American former diplomat who serves as president of [[Center for American Progress]], a liberal [[think tank]].
'''Patrick Gaspard''' (born 1967) is a lifelong community activist, and an American former diplomat who stepped down at the end of 2020 as the president of the [[Open Society Foundations]].<ref name="opensocietyfoundations.org">{{cite web|title=Patrick Gaspard to Step Down as Head of Open Society Foundations|url=https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/patrick-gaspard-to-step-down-as-head-of-open-society-foundations|access-date=2017-01-17|website=Open Society Foundations}}</ref> He became the president of OSF upon the departure of [[Christopher Stone (criminal justice expert)|Chris Stone]], which was announced in September 2017, and was followed by [[Mark Malloch Brown]], a British Lord, Baron, and diplomat.<ref>''Financial Times'' (London), October 17, 2017 [https://www.ft.com/content/92631428-b359-11e7-a398-73d59db9e399].</ref>


A noted Democratic Party political leader and campaign strategist,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/patrick-gaspard/gIQADoIO9O_print.html?noredirect=on|title=Patrick Gaspard|website=The Washington Post Politics|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref> he previously served as [[United States Ambassador to South Africa]] from 2013 to 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2014-07-30-us-ambassador-patrick-gaspard-up-close-and-pretty-personal/|title=US Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, up close and pretty personal|last=Spector|first=J. Brooks|website=Daily Maverick|language=en|access-date=2019-06-13}}</ref> He was under consideration for Secretary of Labor in the Biden-Harris Administration, but was passed over for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Campanile|first=Carl|date=2020-12-10|title=De Blasio pal, Soros ‘Society’ prez Patrick Gaspard in running for Labor head|url=https://nypost.com/2020/12/10/de-blasio-pal-patrick-gaspard-in-running-for-labor-secretary/|access-date=2021-01-09|website=New York Post|language=en-US}}</ref>
A noted [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] leader and strategist,<ref name=":4">{{cite web|title=Patrick Gaspard|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/patrick-gaspard/gIQADoIO9O_print.html?noredirect=on|access-date=June 13, 2019|website=The Washington Post Politics}}</ref> Gaspard served as executive director of the [[Democratic National Committee]] from 2011 to 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Patrick Gaspard|url=https://www.americanprogress.org/about/staff/gaspard-patrick/bio/|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=Center for American Progress|date=June 30, 2021 |language=en-US}}</ref> Gaspard served as [[United States Ambassador to South Africa]] from 2013 to 2016.<ref name=":5">{{cite web|last=Spector|first=J. Brooks|title=US Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, up close and pretty personal|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2014-07-30-us-ambassador-patrick-gaspard-up-close-and-pretty-personal/|access-date=June 13, 2019|website=Daily Maverick|date=July 29, 2014 |language=en}}</ref> Prior to his appointment to lead CAP, Gaspard served as president of the [[Open Society Foundations]] from 2017 to 2020.


==Background==
==Early life==
Born [https://www.haiti.org/dt_team/patrick-gaspard/ in Kinshasa] in the [[Democratic Republic of Congo]] to [[Haitian people|Haitian]] parents, Gaspard moved with his parents to the United States when he was three years old.<ref name=elliott/> Gaspard graduated from [[Brooklyn Technical High School]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bthsalumni.org/The_Buzz_04.13.2018|title=The Buzz - April 13, 2018 - Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation|website=www.bthsalumni.org|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref> and attended [[Columbia University]] from 1994 to 1997.
Patrick Hubert Gaspard was born in [[Kinshasa]], [[Democratic Republic of Congo]], to parents from [[Haiti]]. His parents had moved to Congo at the behest of revolutionary leader [[Patrice Lumumba]], who urged French-speaking professionals to move to the country.<ref>{{Cite web|title=PATRICK GASPARD|url=https://www.haiti.org/dt_team/patrick-gaspard/|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=Embassy of Haiti|language=en-US}}</ref>

Gaspard moved with his parents to the United States when he was three years old, and he was raised in [[New York City]].<ref name="elliott2">{{cite news|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|date=January 18, 2009|title='Obama's People': A Who's Who|work=[[The New York Times Magazine]]|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A05E4D7143EF93BA25752C0A96F9C8B63|access-date=June 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PATRICK GASPARD|url=https://www.haiti.org/dt_team/patrick-gaspard/|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=Embassy of Haiti|language=en-US}}</ref> Gaspard graduated from [[Brooklyn Technical High School]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Buzz - April 13, 2018 - Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation|url=https://www.bthsalumni.org/The_Buzz_04.13.2018|access-date=June 26, 2019|website=www.bthsalumni.org|archive-date=October 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007030429/https://www.bthsalumni.org/The_Buzz_04.13.2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and attended [[Columbia University]] from 1984 to 1987.


==Career==
==Career==
Gaspard's early career was spent in [[New York City]], including working on the 1988 [[Jesse Jackson]] presidential bid and [[David Dinkins]]'s successful 1989 mayoral campaign.<ref name=mcleod>{{cite news|title=Rising Stars: 35 under 40; The next generation of political leaders in New York|last=McLeod|first=Courtney|date=September 2006|work=City Hall News}}</ref>


=== New York City politics ===
He went on to serve as a special assistant in the Office of the [[Manhattan Borough President]] and special assistant in the Office of Mayor Dinkins, and later, from 1998-1999, chief of staff to the [[New York City Council]].<ref name="whitehouse.gov">{{Cite news|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/27/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts|title=President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts|date=2013-06-27|access-date=2018-08-18|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|language=en}}</ref> In 2003-2004, he worked for Governor [[Howard Dean]]'s [[Howard Dean presidential campaign, 2004|2004 presidential campaign]] as the National Deputy Field Director, and in 2004, was the National Field Director for [[America Coming Together]].<ref name="whitehouse.gov"/>
Gaspard's political career began in New York City, where he worked on [[Jesse Jackson 1988 presidential campaign|Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign]]. In the [[1989 New York City mayoral election]], Gaspard worked on [[David Dinkins]]'s successful campaign.<ref name="mcleod2">{{cite news|last=McLeod|first=Courtney|date=September 2006|title=Rising Stars: 35 under 40; The next generation of political leaders in New York|work=City Hall News}}</ref>


Gaspard went on to serve as a special assistant in the Office of the [[Manhattan Borough President]] and as a special assistant in Dinkins' mayoral office. From 1998 to 1999, Gaspard was chief of staff to the [[New York City Council]].<ref name="whitehouse.gov2">{{Cite news|date=June 27, 2013|title=President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts|language=en|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/27/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts|access-date=August 18, 2018|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]}}</ref> After leaving city hall, Gaspard became an aide and advisor to Lower East Side councilwoman Margarita Lopez.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pillifant|first=Reid|title=Patrick Gaspard is Obama's 'likely' choice for ambassador to South Africa|url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2013/02/patrick-gaspard-is-obamas-likely-choice-for-ambassador-to-south-africa-007123|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=Politico PRO|date=February 15, 2013 |language=en}}</ref>
Prior to becoming ambassador to South Africa, Gaspard was most well known for his time at the White House and as the day-to-day leader of the Democratic Party headquarters. He served as the Executive Director of the [[Democratic National Committee]] from 2011–13, overseeing the party committee's efforts to re-elect President Obama. Previously, he was the Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs for the [[Obama administration]] from January 2009-11,<ref name="elliott">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A05E4D7143EF93BA25752C0A96F9C8B63|title='Obama's People': A Who's Who|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|date=January 18, 2009|work=[[The New York Times Magazine]]|access-date=June 29, 2010}}</ref><ref>[[Ben Smith (journalist)|Smith, Ben]] (January 20, 2011). [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0111/Gaspard_to_DNC_Dillon_to_reelect_.html "Gaspard to DNC, Dillon to re-elect"] ''[[Politico]]''. Retrieved December 4, 2020.</ref> Associate Personnel Director of President-elect Obama's [[Presidential transition of Barack Obama|transition team]],<ref name="usnews">{{cite news|url=http://politics.usnews.com/news/campaign-2008/articles/2008/11/05/obama-names-transition-team.html|title=Obama Names Transition Team|date=November 5, 2008|work=[[U.S. News & World Report]]|access-date=June 29, 2010}}</ref> and National Political Director of [[Barack Obama]]'s [[Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|2008 presidential campaign]].


Gaspard was an advisor on Bill de Blasio's successful bid in the [[2013 New York City mayoral election]]. Then-[[New York City Public Advocate|Public Advocate]] de Blasio personally thanked him in his primary victory speech, one of the few non-family members mentioned.<ref name=":12">{{cite news|last=Fermino|first=Jennifer|date=September 14, 2013|title=Bill de Blasio campaign driven by political mix of former Clinton and Obama aides, U.S. ambassador to South Africa, and local talent|work=[[New York Daily News]]|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/bill-de-blasio-campaign-driven-seasoned-political-hands-article-1.1456256}}</ref> In September 2013, he brokered peace between de Blasio and his primary rival [[Bill Thompson (New York politician)|Bill Thompson]] following a contentious contest.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Nick|date=September 18, 2013|title=Ambassador Bridged Divide Between de Blasio and Thompson|url=http://www.cityandstateny.com/ambassador-bridged-divide-between-de-blasio-and-thompson/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130918184710/http://www.cityandstateny.com/ambassador-bridged-divide-between-de-blasio-and-thompson/|archive-date=September 18, 2013|access-date=September 18, 2013|website=[[City & State]]}}</ref>
Gaspard spent nine years as the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the [[1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East]] [[labor union]],<ref name=":0" /> the largest local union in America.<ref name=sherman>{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0610/39110.html|title=White House aide failed to disclose $40K payout|last=Sherman|first=Jake|author-link=Jake Sherman (journalist)|date=June 28, 2010|work=[[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]]|access-date=June 29, 2010}}</ref><ref name=jared>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/06/28/2008-06-28_haitian_american_labor_leader_patrick_ga.html|title=Haitian American labor leader Patrick Gaspard in key job with Barack Obama|last=McCallister|first=Jared|date=June 27, 2008|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|access-date=June 29, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5iwEwafas?url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/06/28/2008-06-28_haitian_american_labor_leader_patrick_ga.html|archive-date=August 11, 2009}}</ref>


=== National politics ===
Gaspard is a close friend and former roommate of [[Bill de Blasio]], the [[Mayor of New York City]]. In September 2013, he brokered a peace between de Blasio and his primary rival Bill Thompson that prevented Thompson from challenging de Blasio in a runoff.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityandstateny.com/ambassador-bridged-divide-between-de-blasio-and-thompson/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=2013-09-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130918184710/http://www.cityandstateny.com/ambassador-bridged-divide-between-de-blasio-and-thompson/ |archive-date=2013-09-18 }}</ref> Earlier, de Blasio had personally thanked Gaspard in his primary victory speech.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/bill-de-blasio-campaign-driven-seasoned-political-hands-article-1.1456256 |location=New York |work=Daily News |title=Bill de Blasio campaign driven by political mix of former Clinton and Obama aides, U.S. ambassador to South Africa, and local talent}}</ref>
From 2003 to 2004, he worked for Governor [[Howard Dean]]'s [[Howard Dean presidential campaign, 2004|2004 presidential campaign]] as the National Deputy Field Director, and in 2004, was the National Field Director for [[America Coming Together]].<ref name="whitehouse.gov4">{{Cite news|date=June 27, 2013|title=President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts|language=en|work=[[whitehouse.gov]]|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/27/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts|access-date=August 18, 2018|via=[[NARA|National Archives]]}}</ref> Gaspard spent nine years as the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the [[1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East]] [[labor union]],<ref name=":03">{{Cite web|last=Stein|first=Sam|date=January 4, 2009|title=Patrick Gaspard: Obama's Glue Man|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/obamas-glue-man-the-best_n_148415|access-date=June 26, 2019|website=HuffPost|language=en}}</ref> the largest local union in America.<ref name="sherman3">{{cite news|last=Sherman|first=Jake|author-link=Jake Sherman (journalist)|date=June 28, 2010|title=White House aide failed to disclose $40K payout|work=[[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]]|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0610/39110.html|access-date=June 29, 2010}}</ref><ref name="jared3">{{cite news|last=McCallister|first=Jared|date=June 27, 2008|title=Haitian American labor leader Patrick Gaspard in key job with Barack Obama|work=[[Daily News (New York)|Daily News]]|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/06/28/2008-06-28_haitian_american_labor_leader_patrick_ga.html|url-status=dead|access-date=June 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316131905/http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/06/28/2008-06-28_haitian_american_labor_leader_patrick_ga.html|archive-date=March 16, 2009}}</ref>


Gaspard initially rejected the opportunity to work on [[Barack Obama]]'s [[Barack Obama 2008 presidential campaign|presidential campaign]] in 2007 but later got the [[SEIU]] to endorse him. He officially joined the campaign as a political director in June 2008.<ref name=":23">{{Cite news|last=Bacon Jr.|first=Perry|date=March 4, 2013|title=Patrick Gaspard, top Obama aide, headed to South Africa as ambassador - theGrio|language=en-US|work=[[theGrio]]|url=http://thegrio.com/2013/03/04/president-obamas-new-man-in-south-africa/|access-date=August 18, 2018}}</ref>
==Ambassador to South Africa==
It was leaked in March 2013 that President Obama was planning to nominate Gaspard to the post of [[United States Ambassador to South Africa]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thegrio.com/2013/03/04/president-obamas-new-man-in-south-africa/|title=Patrick Gaspard, top Obama aide, headed to South Africa as ambassador - theGrio|date=2013-03-04|work=theGrio|access-date=2018-08-18|language=en-US}}</ref> His Senate confirmation hearing was held on July 24, 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Gaspard_Testimony.pdf |title=Congressional Testimony of Patrick H. Gaspard Ambassador Designate to the Republic of South Africa Before the Committee on Foreign Relations United States Senate |date=July 24, 2013 |website=www.foreign.senate.gov |access-date=2019-06-17}}</ref> and he was sworn into the post on August 26, 2013.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=VP44|author=VP Biden (Archived)|number=371990824508071937|date=26 August 2013|title=Today at the @whitehouse, VP will ceremonially swear-in Patrick Gaspard as U.S. Amb. to South Africa. Stay tuned for a photo. @USEmbPretoria}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haiti.org/index.php/section-blog/207-haitian-american-patrick-gaspard-was-sworn-as-us-ambassador-to-south-africa&Itemid=82|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024012117/http://www.haiti.org/index.php/section-blog/207-haitian-american-patrick-gaspard-was-sworn-as-us-ambassador-to-south-africa%26Itemid%3D82|archive-date=2013-10-24|title=Haitian-American Patrick Gaspard was sworn as US Ambassador to South Africa|date=2013-10-24|access-date=2018-08-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Obama Administration and DNC ==
As the U.S. ambassador to South Africa from 2013–16, Gaspard worked to strengthen civil society and worked in partnership with the South African government to develop the country’s healthcare infrastructure and land ownership mitigation and to support innovations in local governance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2014-07-30-us-ambassador-patrick-gaspard-up-close-and-pretty-personal/|title=US Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, up close and pretty personal|last=Spector|first=J. Brooks|website=Daily Maverick|language=en|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref>
After Obama's election, he was named as Associate Personnel Director of President-elect Obama's [[Presidential transition of Barack Obama|transition team]] under [[Jim Messina (political staffer)|Jim Messina]].<ref name="usnews">{{cite news|date=November 5, 2008|title=Obama Names Transition Team|work=[[U.S. News & World Report]]|url=http://politics.usnews.com/news/campaign-2008/articles/2008/11/05/obama-names-transition-team.html|access-date=June 29, 2010}}</ref> He was the Director of the [[White House Office of Political Affairs]] for the [[Obama administration]] from January 2009–11.<ref name="elliott">{{cite news|last=Elliott|first=Stuart|date=January 18, 2009|title='Obama's People': A Who's Who|work=[[The New York Times Magazine]]|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A05E4D7143EF93BA25752C0A96F9C8B63|access-date=June 29, 2010}}</ref><ref name=":3">[[Ben Smith (journalist)|Smith, Ben]] (January 20, 2011). [http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0111/Gaspard_to_DNC_Dillon_to_reelect_.html "Gaspard to DNC, Dillon to re-elect"] ''[[Politico]]''. Retrieved December 4, 2020.</ref>


Gaspard served as the Executive Director of the [[Democratic National Committee]] from 2011–13, overseeing the party committee's efforts to re-elect President Obama.<ref name=":3" />
He also worked to connect South African entrepreneurs to United States markets; develop clean, renewable, and efficient energy technologies; and to end wildlife trafficking.<ref name="opensocietyfoundations.org"/>
[[File:Ambassador Gaspard with Deputy Minister Masina (cropped).jpg|thumb|Ambassador Gaspard in 2014 with South Africa's Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina. ]]


=== Ambassador to South Africa ===
==Other activities==
It was leaked in March 2013 that President Obama was planning to nominate Gaspard to the post of [[United States Ambassador to South Africa]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Bacon Jr.|first=Perry|date=March 4, 2013|title=Patrick Gaspard, top Obama aide, headed to South Africa as ambassador - theGrio|language=en-US|work=[[theGrio]]|url=http://thegrio.com/2013/03/04/president-obamas-new-man-in-south-africa/|access-date=August 18, 2018}}</ref> His Senate confirmation hearing was held on July 24, 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Gaspard_Testimony.pdf |title=Congressional Testimony of Patrick H. Gaspard Ambassador Designate to the Republic of South Africa Before the Committee on Foreign Relations United States Senate |date=July 24, 2013 |website=www.foreign.senate.gov |access-date=June 17, 2019}}</ref> and he was sworn into the post on August 26, 2013.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=VP44|author=VP Biden (Archived)|number=371990824508071937|date=August 26, 2013|title=Today at the @whitehouse, VP will ceremonially swear-in Patrick Gaspard as U.S. Amb. to South Africa. Stay tuned for a photo. @USEmbPretoria}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.haiti.org/index.php/section-blog/207-haitian-american-patrick-gaspard-was-sworn-as-us-ambassador-to-south-africa&Itemid=82|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024012117/http://www.haiti.org/index.php/section-blog/207-haitian-american-patrick-gaspard-was-sworn-as-us-ambassador-to-south-africa%26Itemid%3D82|archive-date=October 24, 2013|title=Haitian-American Patrick Gaspard was sworn as US Ambassador to South Africa|date=October 24, 2013|access-date=August 18, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> He served in this position until 2016.
* [[Central European University]] (CEU), Member of the Board of Trustees<ref>[https://www.ceu.edu/administration/board-of-trustees Board of Trustees] [[Central European University]] (CEU).</ref>
* [[Paris Peace Forum]], Member of the Steering Committee<ref>[https://parispeaceforum.org/governance/ Governance] [[Paris Peace Forum]].</ref>


As Ambassador to South Africa, Gaspard worked to strengthen civil society and worked in partnership with the South African government to develop the country’s healthcare infrastructure and land ownership mitigation and to support innovations in local governance.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Spector|first=J. Brooks|date=July 30, 2014|title=US Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, up close and pretty personal|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2014-07-30-us-ambassador-patrick-gaspard-up-close-and-pretty-personal/|access-date=June 26, 2019|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}</ref> During his tenure, Gaspard worked to connect South African entrepreneurs to United States markets; develop clean, renewable, and efficient energy technologies; and to end wildlife trafficking.<ref name="opensocietyfoundations.org">{{cite web|title=Patrick Gaspard to Step Down as Head of Open Society Foundations|url=https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/patrick-gaspard-to-step-down-as-head-of-open-society-foundations|access-date=January 17, 2017|website=Open Society Foundations}}</ref> Gaspard has been credited with helping the Obama Administration redesign [[PEPFAR]] to more efficiently work within [[Healthcare in South Africa|South Africa's healthcare system]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Newsroom|url=https://newsroom.howard.edu/newsroom/article/15126/president-ceo-center-american-progress-patrick-gaspard-joins-donna-brazile|access-date=October 10, 2021|website=Howard Newsroom|language=en}}</ref>
==Controversy==

Gaspard claimed in a tweet on 13 January 2018 that South Africa has a "more inclusive" constitution than the United States.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/patrickgaspard/status/952211842939740162|title=Patrick Gaspard on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2018-08-18|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.za/2018/01/14/south-africa-to-meet-us-embassy-over-trump-sh-thole-comments_a_23333336/|title=South Africa To Meet US Embassy Over Trump "Sh*thole" Comments|date=2018-01-15|work=HuffPost South Africa|access-date=2018-08-18|language=en-ZA}}</ref>
== Post-ambassadorship career ==
In September 2017, Gaspard replaced [[Christopher Stone (criminal justice expert)|Chris Stone]] as president of the [[Open Society Foundations]].<ref name="opensocietyfoundations.org2">{{cite web|title=Patrick Gaspard to Step Down as Head of Open Society Foundations|url=https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/newsroom/patrick-gaspard-to-step-down-as-head-of-open-society-foundations|access-date=January 17, 2017|website=Open Society Foundations}}</ref> Gaspard served in this capacity until December 2020, when he was replaced by [[Mark Malloch Brown]], a British Lord, Baron, and diplomat.<ref>''Financial Times'' (London), October 17, 2017 [https://www.ft.com/content/92631428-b359-11e7-a398-73d59db9e399].</ref> Following the [[2020 United States presidential election|2020 presidential election]], media outlets reported that Gaspard was under consideration for the role of [[United States Secretary of Labor|Secretary of Labor]]. However, this position was instead filled by [[Boston Mayor]] [[Marty Walsh]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nichols|first=Hans|date=December 4, 2020|title=President of Soros foundation leaves amid speculation of potential Biden role|url=https://www.axios.com/patrick-gaspard-open-society-biden-soros-e28d895e-b4e4-4e92-a621-c40feab7982a.html|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=Axios|language=en}}</ref> In the early stages of the [[2021 New York City mayoral election]], Gaspard reportedly advised [[Maya Wiley]] on her campaign.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goldenberg|first=Sally|title=Former de Blasio aide Alison Hirsh to join Maya Wiley's potential mayoral bid|url=https://politi.co/2Fx8WLW|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=Politico PRO|date=September 11, 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

On June 30, 2021, liberal think tank [[Center for American Progress]] (CAP) announced that Gaspard would become its President and CEO, replacing [[Neera Tanden]] who left to become an advisor to [[Joe Biden]].<ref name="CAP_6302">{{Cite web|last=Preiss|first=Allison|date=June 30, 2021|title=RELEASE: Patrick Gaspard Named President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund|url=https://www.americanprogress.org/press/release/2021/06/30/501238/release-patrick-gaspard-named-president-ceo-center-american-progress-ceo-center-american-progress-action-fund/|publisher=AmericanProgress.org|quote=Patrick Gaspard has been named president and CEO of the Center for American Progress and CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAP Action), the organizations announced today. Gaspard will be the third president and CEO of CAP since the organization was founded in 2003, succeeding Neera Tanden and John Podesta.|accessdate=November 30, 2020}}</ref> ''Politico'' described Gaspard's new role as "powerful," due to the Biden administration's close ties to CAP.<ref name="Politico6302">{{Cite web|author1=Stein, Sam|author2=Korecki, Natasha|date=June 30, 2021|title=The most influential think tank of the Biden era has a new leader|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/30/center-for-american-progress-new-leader-497167|work=Politico|quote=His [Patrick Gaspard's] hiring ends a monthslong process to find a replacement for Neera Tanden, who left the post to become a senior adviser to President Joe Biden. And it immediately makes the 53-year-old Haitian-American one of the most powerful players in progressive politics outside of elected office.|accessdate=July 27, 2021}}</ref>

In May 2024, Gaspard forcefully defended the right of United States university students to [[2024 pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses|protest]] the growing humanitarian crisis in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]] under the [[Israel–Hamas war]].<ref name="gaspard-2024">
{{cite news
| last1 = Gaspard | first1 = Patrick
| title = American politicians forget: disruption and disorder are the point of protests
| date = 6 May 2024
| work = The Guardian
| location = London, United Kingdom
| issn = 0261-3077
| url = https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/may/06/campus-pro-palestinian-protests
| access-date = 2024-05-06
}} Opinion piece.
</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Gaspard is married and has two children.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/obamas-glue-man-the-best_n_148415|title=Patrick Gaspard: Obama's Glue Man|last=Stein|first=Sam|date=2009-01-04|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=2019-06-26}}</ref>
Gaspard is married and has two children.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/obamas-glue-man-the-best_n_148415|title=Patrick Gaspard: Obama's Glue Man|last=Stein|first=Sam|date=January 4, 2009|website=HuffPost|language=en|access-date=June 26, 2019}}</ref> He is [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gaspard |first=Patrick |date=2024-10-25 |title=Post |url=https://x.com/patrickgaspard/status/1849903045955510678 |url-status=live |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=X}}</ref>

Gaspard is known for his love of poetry, and has cited poet and politician [[Aimé Césaire]] as a key inspiration of his. Gaspard is also an admirer of Russian poet [[Anna Akhmatova]]. Gaspard has reportedly taken part in [[acting]] and [[spoken word]] performances in his spare time.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 23, 2009|title=Patrick Gaspard Writes Poems, Collects Comics, Kills for Obama|url=https://observer.com/2009/06/patrick-gaspard-writes-poems-collects-comics-kills-for-obama/|access-date=October 7, 2021|website=Observer|language=en-US}}</ref>

Gaspard has received honorary doctorates from [[Columbia University]] (2018)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Office of the Secretary: Patrick Gaspard |url=https://secretary.columbia.edu/directory/patrick-gaspard |access-date=June 5, 2024 |website=Columbia University}}</ref> and [[Bard College]] (2021).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Relations |first=Bard Public |title=Bard College Holds One Hundred Sixty-First Commencement on Saturday, May 29, 2021 {{!}} Bard College Public Relations |url=https://www.bard.edu/news/releases/pr/fstory.php?id=17710 |access-date=2024-06-06 |website=www.bard.edu |language=en}}</ref>

Gaspard is a close friend of [[Bill de Blasio]], the 109th [[Mayor of New York City]]. The pair met while working on David Dinkin's 1989 mayoral campaign,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Chris|date=October 25, 2013|title=The 99% Mayor|url=https://nymag.com/news/features/bill-de-blasio-2013-11/|access-date=July 21, 2021|website=[[New York (magazine)|New York]]|language=en-us}}</ref> and bonded over their shared progressive political views and familial ties to the [[Caribbean]]: Gaspard's parents are from Haiti.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|last=Fermino|first=Jennifer|date=September 14, 2013|title=Bill de Blasio campaign driven by political mix of former Clinton and Obama aides, U.S. ambassador to South Africa, and local talent|work=[[New York Daily News]]|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/bill-de-blasio-campaign-driven-seasoned-political-hands-article-1.1456256}}</ref>

== Other activities ==
* [[Central European University]] (CEU), Member of the Board of Trustees<ref>[https://www.ceu.edu/administration/board-of-trustees Board of Trustees] [[Central European University]] (CEU).</ref>
* [[Paris Peace Forum]], Member of the Steering Committee<ref>[https://parispeaceforum.org/governance/ Governance] [[Paris Peace Forum]].</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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{{s-bef|before=Johnathan Felts}}
{{s-ttl|title=White House Director of Political Affairs|years=2009–2011}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[White House Political Director|White House Director of Political Affairs]]|years=2009–2011}}
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{{s-ttl|title=[[United States Ambassador to South Africa]]|years=2013–2016}}
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{{s-aft|after=[[Jessye Lapenn]]<br>Acting}}
|-
{{s-npo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Christopher Stone (criminal justice expert)|Christopher Stone]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=President of the [[Open Society Foundations]]|years=2018–2020}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Mark Malloch Brown]]}}
|-
{{s-bef|before=[[Neera Tanden]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=President of the [[Center for American Progress]]|years=2021–present}}
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{{s-end}}
{{s-end}}


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[[Category:African-American diplomats]]
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[[Category:Ambassadors of the United States to South Africa]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of the United States to South Africa]]
[[Category:Leaders of American trade unions]]
[[Category:American trade union leaders]]
[[Category:American politicians of Haitian descent]]
[[Category:American politicians of Haitian descent]]
[[Category:American community activists]]
[[Category:American community activists]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Obama administration personnel]]
[[Category:Obama administration personnel]]
[[Category:Center for American Progress people]]
[[Category:Service Employees International Union people]]
[[Category:Service Employees International Union people]]
[[Category:Columbia University School of General Studies alumni]]
[[Category:Columbia University School of General Studies alumni]]
[[Category:African-American Catholics]]

Latest revision as of 05:35, 2 December 2024

Patrick Gaspard
Gaspard in 2010
United States Ambassador to South Africa
In office
October 16, 2013 – December 16, 2016
PresidentBarack Obama
Preceded byDonald Gips
Succeeded byLana Marks
White House Director of Political Affairs
In office
January 20, 2009 – February 1, 2011
PresidentBarack Obama
Preceded byJonathan Felts
Succeeded byDavid Simas (2014)
Personal details
Born
Patrick Hubert Gaspard

(1967-07-26) July 26, 1967 (age 57)
Kinshasa, Congo-Kinshasa
Political partyDemocratic
EducationSchool of Visual Arts
Columbia University

Patrick Hubert Gaspard[1] (born July 26, 1967)[2] is an American former diplomat who serves as president of Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank.

A noted Democratic Party leader and strategist,[3] Gaspard served as executive director of the Democratic National Committee from 2011 to 2013.[4] Gaspard served as United States Ambassador to South Africa from 2013 to 2016.[5] Prior to his appointment to lead CAP, Gaspard served as president of the Open Society Foundations from 2017 to 2020.

Early life

[edit]

Patrick Hubert Gaspard was born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to parents from Haiti. His parents had moved to Congo at the behest of revolutionary leader Patrice Lumumba, who urged French-speaking professionals to move to the country.[6]

Gaspard moved with his parents to the United States when he was three years old, and he was raised in New York City.[7][8] Gaspard graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School[9] and attended Columbia University from 1984 to 1987.

Career

[edit]

New York City politics

[edit]

Gaspard's political career began in New York City, where he worked on Jesse Jackson's 1988 presidential campaign. In the 1989 New York City mayoral election, Gaspard worked on David Dinkins's successful campaign.[10]

Gaspard went on to serve as a special assistant in the Office of the Manhattan Borough President and as a special assistant in Dinkins' mayoral office. From 1998 to 1999, Gaspard was chief of staff to the New York City Council.[11] After leaving city hall, Gaspard became an aide and advisor to Lower East Side councilwoman Margarita Lopez.[12]

Gaspard was an advisor on Bill de Blasio's successful bid in the 2013 New York City mayoral election. Then-Public Advocate de Blasio personally thanked him in his primary victory speech, one of the few non-family members mentioned.[13] In September 2013, he brokered peace between de Blasio and his primary rival Bill Thompson following a contentious contest.[14]

National politics

[edit]

From 2003 to 2004, he worked for Governor Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign as the National Deputy Field Director, and in 2004, was the National Field Director for America Coming Together.[15] Gaspard spent nine years as the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East labor union,[16] the largest local union in America.[17][18]

Gaspard initially rejected the opportunity to work on Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2007 but later got the SEIU to endorse him. He officially joined the campaign as a political director in June 2008.[19]

Obama Administration and DNC

[edit]

After Obama's election, he was named as Associate Personnel Director of President-elect Obama's transition team under Jim Messina.[20] He was the Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs for the Obama administration from January 2009–11.[21][22]

Gaspard served as the Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee from 2011–13, overseeing the party committee's efforts to re-elect President Obama.[22]

Ambassador Gaspard in 2014 with South Africa's Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mzwandile Masina.

Ambassador to South Africa

[edit]

It was leaked in March 2013 that President Obama was planning to nominate Gaspard to the post of United States Ambassador to South Africa.[23] His Senate confirmation hearing was held on July 24, 2013,[24] and he was sworn into the post on August 26, 2013.[25][26] He served in this position until 2016.

As Ambassador to South Africa, Gaspard worked to strengthen civil society and worked in partnership with the South African government to develop the country’s healthcare infrastructure and land ownership mitigation and to support innovations in local governance.[27] During his tenure, Gaspard worked to connect South African entrepreneurs to United States markets; develop clean, renewable, and efficient energy technologies; and to end wildlife trafficking.[28] Gaspard has been credited with helping the Obama Administration redesign PEPFAR to more efficiently work within South Africa's healthcare system.[29]

Post-ambassadorship career

[edit]

In September 2017, Gaspard replaced Chris Stone as president of the Open Society Foundations.[30] Gaspard served in this capacity until December 2020, when he was replaced by Mark Malloch Brown, a British Lord, Baron, and diplomat.[31] Following the 2020 presidential election, media outlets reported that Gaspard was under consideration for the role of Secretary of Labor. However, this position was instead filled by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.[32] In the early stages of the 2021 New York City mayoral election, Gaspard reportedly advised Maya Wiley on her campaign.[33]

On June 30, 2021, liberal think tank Center for American Progress (CAP) announced that Gaspard would become its President and CEO, replacing Neera Tanden who left to become an advisor to Joe Biden.[34] Politico described Gaspard's new role as "powerful," due to the Biden administration's close ties to CAP.[35]

In May 2024, Gaspard forcefully defended the right of United States university students to protest the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza under the Israel–Hamas war.[36]

Personal life

[edit]

Gaspard is married and has two children.[37] He is Catholic.[38]

Gaspard is known for his love of poetry, and has cited poet and politician Aimé Césaire as a key inspiration of his. Gaspard is also an admirer of Russian poet Anna Akhmatova. Gaspard has reportedly taken part in acting and spoken word performances in his spare time.[39]

Gaspard has received honorary doctorates from Columbia University (2018)[40] and Bard College (2021).[41]

Gaspard is a close friend of Bill de Blasio, the 109th Mayor of New York City. The pair met while working on David Dinkin's 1989 mayoral campaign,[42] and bonded over their shared progressive political views and familial ties to the Caribbean: Gaspard's parents are from Haiti.[43]

Other activities

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Nominations of the 113th Congress - First Session" (PDF). [[United States Senate]. July 24, 2013. p. 3.
  2. ^ "Patrick Gaspard - Center for American Progress (July 2021-), President and CEO - Biography | LegiStorm".
  3. ^ "Patrick Gaspard". The Washington Post Politics. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  4. ^ "Patrick Gaspard". Center for American Progress. June 30, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  5. ^ Spector, J. Brooks (July 29, 2014). "US Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, up close and pretty personal". Daily Maverick. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  6. ^ "PATRICK GASPARD". Embassy of Haiti. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  7. ^ Elliott, Stuart (January 18, 2009). "'Obama's People': A Who's Who". The New York Times Magazine. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  8. ^ "PATRICK GASPARD". Embassy of Haiti. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  9. ^ "The Buzz - April 13, 2018 - Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation". www.bthsalumni.org. Archived from the original on October 7, 2021. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  10. ^ McLeod, Courtney (September 2006). "Rising Stars: 35 under 40; The next generation of political leaders in New York". City Hall News.
  11. ^ "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts". whitehouse.gov. June 27, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2018 – via National Archives.
  12. ^ Pillifant, Reid (February 15, 2013). "Patrick Gaspard is Obama's 'likely' choice for ambassador to South Africa". Politico PRO. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  13. ^ Fermino, Jennifer (September 14, 2013). "Bill de Blasio campaign driven by political mix of former Clinton and Obama aides, U.S. ambassador to South Africa, and local talent". New York Daily News.
  14. ^ Powell, Nick (September 18, 2013). "Ambassador Bridged Divide Between de Blasio and Thompson". City & State. Archived from the original on September 18, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  15. ^ "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts". whitehouse.gov. June 27, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2018 – via National Archives.
  16. ^ Stein, Sam (January 4, 2009). "Patrick Gaspard: Obama's Glue Man". HuffPost. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  17. ^ Sherman, Jake (June 28, 2010). "White House aide failed to disclose $40K payout". Politico. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  18. ^ McCallister, Jared (June 27, 2008). "Haitian American labor leader Patrick Gaspard in key job with Barack Obama". Daily News. Archived from the original on March 16, 2009. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  19. ^ Bacon Jr., Perry (March 4, 2013). "Patrick Gaspard, top Obama aide, headed to South Africa as ambassador - theGrio". theGrio. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  20. ^ "Obama Names Transition Team". U.S. News & World Report. November 5, 2008. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  21. ^ Elliott, Stuart (January 18, 2009). "'Obama's People': A Who's Who". The New York Times Magazine. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  22. ^ a b Smith, Ben (January 20, 2011). "Gaspard to DNC, Dillon to re-elect" Politico. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
  23. ^ Bacon Jr., Perry (March 4, 2013). "Patrick Gaspard, top Obama aide, headed to South Africa as ambassador - theGrio". theGrio. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  24. ^ "Congressional Testimony of Patrick H. Gaspard Ambassador Designate to the Republic of South Africa Before the Committee on Foreign Relations United States Senate" (PDF). www.foreign.senate.gov. July 24, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
  25. ^ VP Biden (Archived) [@VP44] (August 26, 2013). "Today at the @whitehouse, VP will ceremonially swear-in Patrick Gaspard as U.S. Amb. to South Africa. Stay tuned for a photo. @USEmbPretoria" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  26. ^ "Haitian-American Patrick Gaspard was sworn as US Ambassador to South Africa". October 24, 2013. Archived from the original on October 24, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
  27. ^ Spector, J. Brooks (July 30, 2014). "US Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, up close and pretty personal". Daily Maverick. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  28. ^ "Patrick Gaspard to Step Down as Head of Open Society Foundations". Open Society Foundations. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  29. ^ "Newsroom". Howard Newsroom. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  30. ^ "Patrick Gaspard to Step Down as Head of Open Society Foundations". Open Society Foundations. Retrieved January 17, 2017.
  31. ^ Financial Times (London), October 17, 2017 [1].
  32. ^ Nichols, Hans (December 4, 2020). "President of Soros foundation leaves amid speculation of potential Biden role". Axios. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  33. ^ Goldenberg, Sally (September 11, 2020). "Former de Blasio aide Alison Hirsh to join Maya Wiley's potential mayoral bid". Politico PRO. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  34. ^ Preiss, Allison (June 30, 2021). "RELEASE: Patrick Gaspard Named President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund". AmericanProgress.org. Retrieved November 30, 2020. Patrick Gaspard has been named president and CEO of the Center for American Progress and CEO of the Center for American Progress Action Fund (CAP Action), the organizations announced today. Gaspard will be the third president and CEO of CAP since the organization was founded in 2003, succeeding Neera Tanden and John Podesta.
  35. ^ Stein, Sam; Korecki, Natasha (June 30, 2021). "The most influential think tank of the Biden era has a new leader". Politico. Retrieved July 27, 2021. His [Patrick Gaspard's] hiring ends a monthslong process to find a replacement for Neera Tanden, who left the post to become a senior adviser to President Joe Biden. And it immediately makes the 53-year-old Haitian-American one of the most powerful players in progressive politics outside of elected office.
  36. ^ Gaspard, Patrick (May 6, 2024). "American politicians forget: disruption and disorder are the point of protests". The Guardian. London, United Kingdom. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved May 6, 2024. Opinion piece.
  37. ^ Stein, Sam (January 4, 2009). "Patrick Gaspard: Obama's Glue Man". HuffPost. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  38. ^ Gaspard, Patrick (October 25, 2024). "Post". X. Retrieved December 1, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  39. ^ "Patrick Gaspard Writes Poems, Collects Comics, Kills for Obama". Observer. June 23, 2009. Retrieved October 7, 2021.
  40. ^ "Office of the Secretary: Patrick Gaspard". Columbia University. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  41. ^ Relations, Bard Public. "Bard College Holds One Hundred Sixty-First Commencement on Saturday, May 29, 2021 | Bard College Public Relations". www.bard.edu. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  42. ^ Smith, Chris (October 25, 2013). "The 99% Mayor". New York. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  43. ^ Fermino, Jennifer (September 14, 2013). "Bill de Blasio campaign driven by political mix of former Clinton and Obama aides, U.S. ambassador to South Africa, and local talent". New York Daily News.
  44. ^ Board of Trustees Central European University (CEU).
  45. ^ Governance Paris Peace Forum.
Political offices
Preceded by
Johnathan Felts
 White House Director of Political Affairs
2009–2011 		Vacant
Title next held by
David Simas
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by United States Ambassador to South Africa
2013–2016 		Succeeded by
Non-profit organization positions
Preceded by President of the Open Society Foundations
2018–2020 		Succeeded by
Preceded by President of the Center for American Progress
2021–present 		Incumbent
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Patrick_Gaspard&oldid=1260712750"