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Revision as of 18:39, 18 September 2013 by 209.133.65.222(talk)(Added details, arranged career section in chronological order)
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.[4] He went on to serve as a Special Assistant in the Office of 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.[5]
In 2003-2004, Gaspard 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.[6]
Gaspard spent nine years as the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers Eastlabor union, the largest local union in America.[7][8] He helped coordinate political activity and government relations on behalf of 300,000 members. In 2006, he served as the acting political director for SEIU International during the national union's successful effort to help Democrats capture majorities in the House and Senate.
Gaspard is a former community organizer around school reform issues. He gained notoriety when the Supreme court upheld Obamacare and he tweeted "it's constitutional. Bitches."
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.[9] His Senate confirmation hearing was held on July 24, 2013[10], and he was sworn into the post on August 26, 2013.[11][12]
Gaspard is a close friend of Bill de Blasio, the 2013 Democratic nominee for 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.[13] Earlier, de Blasio had personally thanked Gaspard in his primary victory speech.[14]
Personal life
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Haitian parents, Gaspard moved with his parents to the United States when he was three years old.[1] He is married and has two children.
^McLeod, Courtney (September 2006). "Rising Stars: 35 under 40; The next generation of political leaders in New York". City Hall News. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)