Valerie Jarrett: 'Incredibly Plugged In,' For Better And Worse

Valerie Jarrett--pal of a U.S. president-elect, confidant of the country's most powerful mayor and veteran of corporate boardrooms--has perfected the art of networking, Chicago style.

Now that Barack Obama has drafted her to be a senior adviser, a key conduit between the White House and state and local officials clamoring for the president's ear, Jarrett's skill set will be put to the ultimate test.

She is "incredibly plugged in," said banker William Daley, brother of Democratic Mayor Richard Daley. "I can't think of another female on everybody's list for a corporate board seat."

The White House appointment means Jarrett, 52, will give up her job as chief executive of Habitat Co., one of the Midwest's largest property-management firms. She has already begun to step down from an array of civic boards and from corporate directorships that have brought her more than $350,000 a year in cash and benefits.

Although Jarrett's connections generally have proven profitable, they have also led to some notable embarrassments by enmeshing Habitat in the management of two dilapidated low-income housing projects. Those problems have recently attracted national attention because of Jarrett's ties to Obama.

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Comments

[jaydeedub]

I love this woman. So poised and confident. She can play with the big boys, and cut them down to size if need be. All with a smile on her face.

[Lahonda]

What an awesome lady!

[Lahonda]

This person is just what Barack Obama needs... a real, intelligent, solid attitude, articulate confidant.

I see the next Madeleine Albright coming on stage once Ms. Jarrett gets a mindful of these world leaders. It's like our president will have a take charge economic adviser in the woman as well. And she's an Iranian immigrant, no less... we have the makings of history here folks. I'm in love.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_Jarrett#Biography

If one were to fast forward three years... what would we expect to see?

[Jezreel]

PTA: "Valerie Jarrett: 'Incredibly Plugged In,' For Better And Worse"

Plugged in, huge Rolodex, influential, smart, wise, proven leadership, articulate, socially intelligent, and made a couple of unsuccessful business decisions. What aspect of Vallery Jarrett's bio constitutes the "Worse" part?