Black Talent Initiative
The Black Talent Initiative (BTI) is the largest database of Black talent in the United States for presidential appointments. We are working with the incoming President’s administration to identify a pool of top Black candidates for positions in government who will make decisions that could trigger long-term systemic change in federal policies and practices.
African Americans account for about 20% of Democratic voters but are regularly underrepresented in both Democratic and Republican administrations. For example, African Americans accounted for only 9% of the senior political appointees in 2009 (Obama Administration), and 4% of senior political appointees a year earlier (G.W. Bush Administration).
Therefore, we are building on our 2016 transition efforts by convening over 45 Black-led organizations to work on presidential appointments. Our staff and advisory board bring extensive expertise in presidential personnel appointments, (including knowledge of agencies, positions, and the selection and vetting processes). With the help of our partners, we are positioned to provide hundreds of candidates to the administration for positions at the White House, executive branch agencies, independent agencies, and the judiciary.
Want us to consider recommending you to the incoming Administration? Apply here.
Disclaimer: BTI’s form is not a formal application for a position in the Biden-Administration. We highly recommend you fill out the White House form and apply for the position you are interested in through USAjobs.gov or the agency’s career page.
Thinking about a career in public service? Review the materials below to explore whether serving in government is right for you.
The Biden-Harris administration will have over 4000 political appointments. We recommend these resources to anyone exploring whether public service is a good fit.
First, get an overview of the key steps in the appointment process. Then, get a snapshot of the levels of positions (e.g., PAS, PA, SES, Schedule C) and tips on what to do and not do in seeking a political appointment. As you move deeper into the process, explore the specific positions available in the Plum Book.
Watch our video to learn more
Helpful Resources
Learn more about the political appointment process
The Black Talent Initiative’s work is powered by our incredible group of partners. If you would like to join in and support our efforts, contact us below.
The Biden Administration reported on its progress over the first 100 days, and announced that of “the approximately 1,500 agency appointees hired by President Biden so far… 18% identify as Black or African American.” It did not disclose the percentage of leadership positions held by African Americans, such as nominations for Senate-confirmed positions, or appointments to senior executive service or senior White House positions. A Joint Center report revealed the Biden Administration’s accomplishments on Black appointments (e.g., several historic “firsts,” five Black deputy secretaries, three Black women appellate judge nominees) and areas for growth (more Black representation in economic and tech policy top leadership as well as various types of Assistant Secretary and Senior Executive Service leadership positions, and data disaggregation and disclosure of Black appointments by agency, position, and gender). Read the full report here.
Our analysis found that while Black Americans accounted for 22 percent of Americans who voted for Biden in the 2020 general election, Black Americans accounted for only 16 percent of Biden’s Assistant Secretary nominees and 13 percent of his Under Secretary nominees. However, President Biden’s nominees for these positions exceed the Black share of all of those who were nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate in 2009 (9 percent).
Read the report here.
Of the 15 appointees who serve as chief of staff to a cabinet secretary in the Biden administration, only two are Black—just 13 percent of all chiefs of staff. By comparison, approximately 22 percent of President Biden’s votes during the 2020 general election were from the Black community. The two Black chiefs of staff, Jenn Jones and Tanya Bradsher—both women—are employed with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs, respectively.
Chiefs of staff are key actors in implementing the administration’s and the secretaries’ priorities, and they can play critical roles in determining the extent of Black appointments within an agency. Chiefs of staff often serve as principal advisors to department secretaries on political appointments and act as gatekeepers to determine which candidates are considered by the secretary. A chief’s regular interactions with division and department leaders can also help create an inclusive culture that actively works to recruit, retain, develop, and promote racially diverse appointees.
Read the report here.
The Black Talent Initiative is powered by our esteemed partner organizations. Our combined efforts have resulted in a collection of resumes that have been submitted to serve in high-ranking White House, cabinet, and subcabinet positions. Our work is reflected in the statement below from John Jones, the former head of African American appointments on the Clinton-Kaine Transition Team:
The Joint Center’s Black Talent Initiative was an invaluable resource to the Clinton-Kaine Transition Team in 2016. The Joint Center’s extensive experience in working with the Obama-Biden Transition team in 2008 and its track record of promoting the inclusion of African Americans in government leadership positions uniquely positioned it to assist with one of my core responsibilities for the transition team—assembling names for appointments of talented Black people for positions in a potential new administration. The Joint Center’s familiarity with the organizational structure of executive branch agencies and the White House—as well as its understanding of the political appointment process—allows it to take on this work through an informed lens of how government functions and what type of talent is needed in critical roles. The Joint Center’s deep relationships with Black government officials with federal executive branch, the judicial branch, and congressional experience allowed it to identify and submit experienced high-quality Black talent who would be ready to go on day one. The Black Talent Initiative’s deep collaboration with over 30 other Black and civil rights-focused organizations from around the nation ensured that various voices and priorities were heard and considered in the process and that the pool of candidates submitted included many talented people who were outside of the Beltway and had not previously served in the federal government. The Joint Center’s constant advice, expertise, and engagement of various Black organizations allowed the Clinton-Kaine Transition team to be more effective in representing the interests of Black communities.
John H. Jones
Co-Director, Outreach and Engagement
2016 Clinton-Kaine Transition Team
Thinking about a career in public service? Review the materials below to explore whether serving in government is right for you.
The Biden-Harris administration will have over 4000 political appointments. We recommend these resources to anyone exploring whether public service is a good fit.
First, get an overview of the key steps in the appointment process. Then, get a snapshot of the levels of positions (e.g., PAS, PA, SES, Schedule C) and tips on what to do and not do in seeking a political appointment. As you move deeper into the process, explore the specific positions available in the Plum Book.
Thinking about a career in public service? Review the materials below to explore whether serving in government is right for you.
The Biden-Harris administration will have over 4000 political appointments. We recommend these resources to anyone exploring whether public service is a good fit.
First, get an overview of the key steps in the appointment process. Then, get a snapshot of the levels of positions (e.g., PAS, PA, SES, Schedule C) and tips on what to do and not do in seeking a political appointment. As you move deeper into the process, explore the specific positions available in the Plum Book.
Adam Hodge
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Media and Public Affairs
Amanda Finney
Chief of Staff for the Press Office and Special Assistant to the Press Secretary
Antwaun Griffin
Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce on COVID-19
Brenda Mallory
Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality
Cecilia Rouse
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers
Christian Peele
Deputy Director of Management and Administration for Personnel
Deanne Millison
Deputy Policy Director in the Office of the Vice President
Elizabeth Wilkins
Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff at the White House
Jaimie McFarlin
Deputy Associate Counsel at the White House
Janelle Jones
Chief Economist at the Department of Labor
Joelle Gamble
Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
Kimberly McClain
Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
The Honorable Marcia Fudge
Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Michelle Asha Cooper
Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Post Secondary Education at the Department of Education
Paige Hill
Senior Regional Communications Director in the White House
Shalanda Baker
Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the Department of Energy
Symone Sanders
Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for the Vice President
William Desmond
Senior Counsel at the Department of Education
Adewale “Wally” Adeyamo
Deputy Secretary of Treasury
Amijah Townsend-Holmes
Press Assistant in the White House
Ashley Etienne
Communications Director for the Vice President
Cameron Trimble
Director of Digital Engagement at the White House
Cedric Richmond
Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
Clarke Humphrey
Digital Director for the COVID-19 Response Team in the White House
Don Graves
Deputy Secretary of Commerce
Erin Wilson
Deputy Director of Political Strategy and Outreach
Jalina Porter
Deputy Spokesperson at the Department of State
Jasmine Bolton
Senior Counsel in the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education
Justin Dews
Deputy Associate Counsel to the President
Kristen Clarke
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice
General Lloyd Austin
Secretary of the Department of Defense
Melissa Bryant
Senior Advisor in the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Natalie Evans Harris
Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce
Robert "Monty" Wilkinson
Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys
Shalanda Young
Deputy Director in the Office of Management and Budget
Terrence Hayes
Press Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Vincent Evans
Deputy Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs
Al Stewart
Acting Secretary of Labor
Angela Hanks
Counselor to the Secretary of Labor
Ashley Williams
Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
Carahna Magwood
Creative Director in the Office of Digital Strategy in the White House
Chauncey T. Alexander
Special Assistant in the Office of Communications and Outreach at the Department of Education
Danielle Conley
Deputy Counsel to the President
Donna Harris-Aikens
Senior Advisor for Policy and Planning at the Department of Education
Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo
Associate Counsel to the President
Jamila Thompson
Senior Advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative
Jewel H. Bronaugh
Deputy Secretary at the Department of Agriculture
Karen Andre
Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel
Kristin Slevin
Director of Scheduling at the Department of Energy
Maha Ghandour
Digital Partnerships Manager in the Office of Digital Strategy in the White House
Michael Leach
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Director in the Office of Management and Administration
Olugbenga Ajilore
Senior Advisor at the Department of Agriculture
Samiyyah Ali
Deputy Associate Counsel to the President
Shuwanza Goff
Deputy Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs
Tina Flournoy
Chief of Staff to the Vice President
Yohannes Abraham
Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the White House National Security Council
Alondra Nelson
Deputy Director for Science and Society at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Anthony Coley
Senior Advisor and Lead of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice
Bonnie Jenkins
Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs at the Department of State
Carlton Waterhouse
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management at the Environmental Protection Agency
Chelsey Cartwright
Deputy White House Liaison at the Department of the Interior
Danielle Okai
Senior Associate Director in the Office of Presidential Personnel
Dorien Paul Blythers
Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the Environmental Protection Agency
Glenn Johnson
Acting Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Janea Scott
Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals at the Department of the Interior
Joanna Darcus
Senior Counsel at the Department of Education
Karine Jean-Pierre
Principal Deputy Press Secretary
Lauren Moore
Associate Counsel to the President
Marcella Nunez-Smith
Equity Task Force Chair for the COVID-19 Response Team in the White House
Michael Regan
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Osaremen Okolo
Policy Advisor in the Office of COVID-19 Response at the White House
Samuel Negatu
Director of Congressional Affairs in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
The Honorable Susan Rice
Head of the White House Domestic Policy Council
Tona Boyd
Special Counsel to the President
Zephranie Buetow
Special Assistant to the President and Senate Legislative Affairs Liaison
Adam Hodge
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Media and Public Affairs
Al Stewart
Acting Secretary of Labor
Amanda Finney
Chief of Staff for the Press Office and Special Assistant to the Press Secretary
Angela Hanks
Counselor to the Secretary of Labor
Antwaun Griffin
Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce on COVID-19
Ashley Williams
Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations
Brenda Mallory
Chair of the Council of Environmental Quality
Carahna Magwood
Creative Director in the Office of Digital Strategy in the White House
Cecilia Rouse
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers
Chauncey T. Alexander
Special Assistant in the Office of Communications and Outreach at the Department of Education
Christian Peele
Deputy Director of Management and Administration for Personnel
Danielle Conley
Deputy Counsel to the President
Deanne Millison
Deputy Policy Director in the Office of the Vice President
Donna Harris-Aikens
Senior Advisor for Policy and Planning at the Department of Education
Elizabeth Wilkins
Senior Advisor to the Chief of Staff
Funmi Olorunnipa Badejo
Associate Counsel to the President
Jaimie McFarlin
Deputy Associate Counsel in the White House
Jamila Thompson
Senior Advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative
Janelle Jones
Chief Economist at the Department of Labor
Jewel H. Bronaugh
Deputy Secretary at the Department of Agriculture
Joelle Gamble
Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy
Karen Andre
Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel
Kimberly McClain
Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Kristin Slevin
Director of Scheduling at the Department of Energy
Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
Maha Ghandour
Digital Partnerships Manager in the Office of Digital Strategy in the White House
The Honorable Marcia Fudge
Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Michael Leach
Chief Diversity and Inclusion Director
Michelle Asha Cooper
Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of Postsecondary Education at the Department of Education
Olugbenga Ajilore
Senior Advisor at the Department of Agriculture
Paige Hill
Senior Regional Communications Director in the White House
Samiyyah Ali
Deputy Associate Counsel to the President
Shalanda Baker
Deputy Director for Energy Justice at the Department of Energy
Shuwanza Goff
Deputy Director of the White House Office of Legislative Affairs
Symone Sanders
Senior Advisor and Chief Spokesperson for the Vice President
Tina Flournoy
Chief of Staff to the Vice President
Vincent Evans
Deputy Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs
Yohannes Abraham
Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the White House National Security Council
Adewale “Wally” Adeyamo
Deputy Secretary of Treasury
Alondra Nelson
Deputy Director for Science and Society at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy
Amijah Townsend-Holmes
Press Assistant in the White House
Anthony Coley
Senior Advisor and Lead of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice
Ashley Etienne
Communications Director for the Vice President
Bonnie Jenkins
Under Secretary of Arms Control and International Security Affairs at the Department of State
Cameron Trimble
Director of Digital Engagement at the White House
Carlton Waterhouse
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management at the Environmental Protection Agency
Cedric Richmond
Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
Chelsey Cartwright
Deputy White House Liaison at the Department of the Interior
Clarke Humphrey
Digital Director for the COVID-19 Response Team in the White House
Danielle Okai
Senior Associate Director in the Office of Presidential Personnel
Don Graves
Deputy Secretary of Commerce
Dorien Paul Blythers
Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations at the Environmental Protection Agency
Erin Wilson
Deputy Director of Political Strategy and Outreach
Glenn Johnson
Acting Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Legislative Affairs
Jalina Porter
Deputy Spokesperson at the Department of State
Janea Scott
Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals at the Department of the Interior
Jasmine Bolton
Senior Counsel in the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education
Joanna Darcus
Senior Counsel at the Department of Education
Justin Dews
Deputy Associate Counsel to the President
Karine Jean-Pierre
Principal Deputy Press Secretary
Kristen Clarke
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the Department of Justice
Lauren Moore
Associate Counsel to the President
General Loyd Austin
Secretary of the Department of Defense
Marcella Nunez-Smith
Equity Task Force Chair for the COVID-19 Response Team in the White House
Melissa Bryant
Senior Advisor in the Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs
Michael Regan
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator
Natalie Evans Harris
Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Commerce
Osaremen Okolo
Policy Advisor in the Office of COVID-19 Response at the White House
Robert "Monty" Wilkinson
Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys
Samuel Negatu
Director of Congressional Affairs in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative
Shalanda Young
Deputy Director in the Office of Management and Budget
The Honorable Susan Rice
Head of the White House Domestic Policy Council
Terrence Hayes
Press Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs
Tona Boyd
Special Counsel to the President
William Desmond
Senior Counsel at the Department of Education
Zephranie Buetow
