Prior to this, she worked in The White House, where she was a Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

[5] As treasurer, she was credited with balancing the city's financial department's books without presiding over tax increases.

[7] In 2013, she left her position as mayor to join as the Obama administration as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.

In this role, she was credited with helping to securing Fort Monroe's designation as a federal monument.

[7] In the position, she was responsible for engaging with municipal and county officials across the country on behalf of The White House.