Anyone taking a look at President Barack Obama’s administration may see a familiar face among its ranks. Former Clinton resident Julianna Smoot is now holding the title of Social Secretary for the White House.

While her days now are spent intermingling with some of our nation capitol’s highest ranked individuals, at one time, she was a Clintonian with really high hopes.

Smoot, who is the daughter of Ed and Judy Smoot, spent approximately 12 years of her youth living on Barrus Avenue. She attended Clinton City Schools at first and eventually moved on to Harrells Christian Academy to finish up her high school education.

After completing her education at Harrells, Juliana attended and graduated from Smith College in Massachusetts where she majored in government.

In an interview with her parents, Ed, a former golf pro and Judy, a former elementary school teacher, established that they found themselves moving to Clinton when Ed received a job running the Coharie Country Club.

The Smoots, who now live in Willow Spring, said they can’t help but beam over their daughter’s latest accomplishment.

“We are just very proud,” said Ed.

The Smoots, who moved from Clinton to Wake County in the 1980s, established that, as a family, they have fond memories of Sampson County and particularly their old neighborhood.

“It was just a nice place to raise kids,” said Judy. In fact, she lovingly remembers Julianna and her sisters, Betsy and Sarah, riding their bicycles with some of the neighborhood children down the street without a care because they felt safe and secure.

“They would be out playing until late in afternoon,” said Judy.

As happy as they are to see their daughter’s latest success, it comes as no surprise to her parents who both said she always set high goals and worked hard to acheive them.

“She always felt a need to take a risk and to push herself,” said Judy.

During her years at Smith, Judy stated that Juliana got involved with politics and fund-raising for the school. When she graduated, she moved to New York City to start her career, but after an urging from a friend, she moved to Washington D.C. where she found a mentor to teach her about all the aspects of political fundraising.

“She went there looking for a job, and they helped teach her how to raise money,” said Judy. As a political fundraiser, Judy established that her daughter has found herself working with such high profile politicians as New York Senator Chuck Schumer and Illinois Senator Dick Durbin.

“She learned so much from him,” Judy stated of Durbin. “He was an inspiration to her.” In addition, she also worked as the finance director for the Obama presidential campaign.

At the completion of that campaign, she was hired as the chief of staff for United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

As for how her daughter has found her a place in the Obama White House, Judy happily states, “Her name was suggested after (former social secretary Desiree) Ms. Rogers resigned,” said Judy.

As for what her role will be, Ed pointed out that his daughter’s job will be to plan out every social event that will take place at the White House.

“She will continue to make it the ‘People’s White House,’” Judy commented.

While Julianna was contacted for comment, she was unavailable by press time. However, the White House released a statement from Julianna in which she states, “I am humbled and excited to take on the role of White House Social Secretary and support the Obama administration in a different capacity.”

In the same press release, the President commented, “Julianna shares our commitment to creating an inclusive, dynamic and culturally vibrant White House, and Michelle and I are pleased to have her join our team.”

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.