Party's Over!

White House Social Secretary, Desiree Rogers is reportedly leaving her post next month, fourteen months and 330 events into her position, to "explore opportunities in the corporate world". A successful Chicago businesswoman and socialite, Ms. Rogers was the first Black woman to hold the position of social secretary and a close associate of President and Mrs. Obama. She came under fire in November 2009 when Tareq and Michaele Salahi crashed the Obama's first White House state dinner. Her critics characterize her as a spotlight seeker who maintained a very high profile including appearances in fashion spreads early on in the administration, and inserted herself as a guest during the dinner instead of fulfilling her responsibilities as social secretary. Of course when you're as fabulous and stylish as she, it would be hard to disappear into the shadows.

My number one rule as a planner is to take care of business-you can't relax until the event is over. You are being paid because of your organization skills and attention to detail. When the event is over-kick your feet up and have a cocktail. If you are managing an event-manage it. A planner should stay behind the scenes handling every aspect of the event detail and be prepared for every contingency. You'll receive your kudos for a expertly managed event-once it's over. It's a shame her tenure ended with a cloud over it.

Just goes to show that even or especially in the White House, you can't let your guard down for a minute. I wish her well.