Patrick Gaspard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Gaspard
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Gaspard in 2010
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| United States Ambassador to South Africa | |
| In office October 16, 2013 – December 16, 2016 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Donald Gips |
| Succeeded by | Lana Marks |
| White House Director of Political Affairs | |
| In office January 20, 2009 – February 1, 2011 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Jonathan Felts |
| Succeeded by | David Simas (2014) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Patrick Hubert Gaspard
July 26, 1967 Kinshasa, Congo-Kinshasa |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | School of Visual Arts Columbia University |
Patrick Hubert Gaspard (born July 26, 1967) is an American who used to be a diplomat. He is now the president of the Center for American Progress. This is a group that does research and suggests ideas.
Patrick Gaspard is a well-known leader for the Democratic Party. He was the main director for the Democratic National Committee from 2011 to 2013. He also served as the United States Ambassador to South Africa from 2013 to 2016. Before joining the Center for American Progress, he was president of the Open Society Foundations.
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Early Life and Education
Patrick Hubert Gaspard was born in Kinshasa, which is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His parents were from Haiti. They had moved to Congo because a leader named Patrice Lumumba asked French-speaking professionals to come help the country.
When Patrick was three years old, his family moved to the United States. He grew up in New York City. He went to Brooklyn Technical High School. Later, he attended Columbia University from 1984 to 1987.
Patrick Gaspard's Career Journey
Starting in New York City Politics
Patrick Gaspard began his work in politics in New York City. He helped with Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign in 1988. He also worked on David Dinkins' successful campaign to become mayor of New York City in 1989.
After that, Gaspard worked for the Manhattan Borough President. He was also a special helper in Mayor Dinkins' office. From 1998 to 1999, he was the chief of staff for the New York City Council. He later advised councilwoman Margarita Lopez.
In 2013, Gaspard advised Bill de Blasio's successful campaign for mayor of New York City. Bill de Blasio thanked him personally after winning the primary election. In September 2013, Gaspard helped de Blasio and his rival, Bill Thompson, make peace after a tough election.
Working in National Politics
From 2003 to 2004, Patrick Gaspard worked for Governor Howard Dean's presidential campaign. He was the National Deputy Field Director. In 2004, he was the National Field Director for America Coming Together. He also spent nine years working for 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. This is a very large labor union for healthcare workers.
At first, Gaspard didn't want to work on Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2007. But he later helped the SEIU union decide to support Obama. He officially joined Obama's campaign as a political director in June 2008.
Working for President Obama
After Obama was elected president, Patrick Gaspard helped with his transition team. He was the Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs for the Obama administration from 2009 to 2011.
Gaspard then became the Executive Director of the Democratic National Committee from 2011 to 2013. In this role, he helped lead the party's efforts to re-elect President Obama.
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Serving as Ambassador to South Africa
In March 2013, news came out that President Obama planned to make Patrick Gaspard the United States Ambassador to South Africa. His hearing in the Senate was on July 24, 2013. He officially started his job on August 26, 2013, and served until 2016.
As Ambassador, Gaspard worked to make the relationship between the U.S. and South Africa stronger. He helped the South African government improve healthcare and land ownership. He also supported new ideas in local government. During his time, he helped connect South African business owners with U.S. markets. He also worked on clean energy and stopping illegal wildlife trade. He is known for helping the Obama Administration improve the PEPFAR program. This program helps with South Africa's healthcare system.
After Being an Ambassador
In September 2017, Patrick Gaspard became president of the Open Society Foundations. He worked there until December 2020. After the 2020 United States presidential election, some news outlets said Gaspard might become the United States Secretary of Labor. However, Marty Walsh got that job instead.
On June 30, 2021, the Center for American Progress (CAP) announced that Gaspard would be its new President and CEO. This is a very important role, especially because the Biden administration works closely with CAP.
In May 2024, Gaspard strongly supported the right of university students in the United States to protest. They were protesting the difficult situation in Gaza during the Israel–Hamas war.
Personal Life and Interests
Patrick Gaspard is married and has two children. He is Catholic.
He loves poetry and has said that the poet and politician Aimé Césaire is a big inspiration. Gaspard also admires the Russian poet Anna Akhmatova. He has even taken part in acting and spoken word performances in his free time.
Gaspard has received special honorary degrees from Columbia University (2018) and Bard College (2021).
He is a close friend of Bill de Blasio, who was the 109th Mayor of New York City. They met while working on David Dinkins' 1989 mayoral campaign. They became friends because they shared similar political ideas and both had family ties to the Caribbean.
Other Activities
- Central European University (CEU), Member of the Board of Trustees
- Paris Peace Forum, Member of the Steering Committee
