Obama's "Karl Rove"

Patrick Gaspard is the Director of the Office of Political Affairs for the Obama administration. Gaspard's prior position was on the advisory board for President Barack Obama's transition team. During the presidential campaign, Gaspard was Obama's National Political Director. 

Prior to working on Obama's campaign team, Gaspard was the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the 300,000 member 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East labor union, the largest local union in America. He helped coordinate political activity and government relations on behalf of 300,000 members. In 2006, Gaspard served as the acting political director for SEIU International during the national union’s successful effort to help Democrats capture majorities in the House and Senate. In 2004, Gaspard was the National Field Director for America Coming Together. Gaspard worked for Governor Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, the 1988 Jesse Jackson presidential bid and numerous congressional candidates and campaigns. In 1989, he worked on the successful and historic David Dinkins mayoral campaign. Gaspard is a former community organizer around school reform issues. 

President Barack Obama was drawn to Gaspard because of their similarities - both are community organizers with family roots in Africa.  Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Haitian parents, Gaspard moved with his parents to the United States when he was three years old. He is married and has two children.