Gaspard was the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the [[1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East]] [[labor union]].<ref name="nydailynews">{{cite web| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/06/28/2008-06-28_haitian_american_labor_leader_patrick_ga.html | title=Haitian American labor leader Patrick Gaspard in key job with Barack Obama | accessdate=2008-11-07}}</ref> The United Healthcare Workers East is 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.<ref name="NAME">{{cite web| He is the only top white house staffer to not hold a college degree. However, Karl Rove, who held his position before, also did not graduate from college. url=http://www.cityhallnews.com/091906/cover1_091906.html#gaspard | title=Rising Stars: 35 under 40 | accessdate=2008-11-07}}</ref>. Gaspard is a former community organizer around school reform issues.
Gaspard was the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the [[1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East]] [[labor union]].<ref name="nydailynews">{{cite web| url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/06/28/2008-06-28_haitian_american_labor_leader_patrick_ga.html | title=Haitian American labor leader Patrick Gaspard in key job with Barack Obama | accessdate=2008-11-07}}</ref> The United Healthcare Workers East is 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.<ref name="NAME">{{cite web|url=http://www.cityhallnews.com/091906/cover1_091906.html#gaspard | title=Rising Stars: 35 under 40 | accessdate=2008-11-07}}</ref>. Gaspard is a former community organizer around school reform issues.
==Personal life==
== Personal life ==
Gaspard is married and has two children.<ref>http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/president_elect_obama_and_vice_president_elect_biden_announce_key_white_hou/</ref>
Gaspard is married and has two children.<ref>http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/president_elect_obama_and_vice_president_elect_biden_announce_key_white_hou/</ref>
Gaspard was also on the advisory board for President Barack Obama's transition team[1]. During the presidential campaign, Gaspard was Obama's National Political Director. He is the only top official in the White House not to hold a college degree. However, Karl Rove, who also held this position, did not graduate college either.[2]
Career
Gaspard was the executive vice president for politics and legislation for the 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers Eastlabor union.[3] The United Healthcare Workers East is 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.[4]. Gaspard is a former community organizer around school reform issues.