Presidential Inaugural
Committee Announces Eight Americans Selected as Citizen Co-Chairs for
the 57th Presidential Inauguration
WASHINGTON – Today, the Presidential Inaugural
Committee (PIC) announced eight Americans who have been selected as
Citizen Co-Chairs for the Inauguration of President Barack Obama and
Vice President Joe Biden. Each of these remarkable Americans
reflect the core values of this Administration and the theme of the 57th
Presidential Inauguration: Our People. Our Future. Naming
Citizen Co-Chairs is a new Inaugural tradition that President Obama and
Vice President Biden decided to launch to honor all of the Americans
who can relate to the stories of these co-chairs.
“Every day, I’m inspired by the determination, grit, and resilience of
the American people,” said President Barack Obama. “The stories of
these extraordinary men and women highlight both the progress we’ve
made and how much we have left to do. They remind us that when we live
up to the example set by the American people, there is no limit to how
bright our future can be.”
“The National Inaugural Citizen Co-Chairs were chosen for their
extraordinary contributions to their communities,” said PIC Executive
Director David Cusack. “Whether co-founding a non-profit to help
rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina or serving bravely in our
armed forces, each of these women and men reminds us that the strength
of America comes from the strength of its people.”
Each Co-Chair will play an important role in the Inaugural ceremonies.
On Saturday, January 19, they will join Americans in all 50
states and participate in the National Day of Service. On Inauguration
Day, the Co-Chairs will take part in the Inaugural Parade, riding on
the “Our People, Our Future” float, and attend the Inaugural Ball.
Full List of National Inaugural Citizen Co-Chairs:
Ida Edwards, Virginia
Ida Edwards is a retired nurse and advocate of President Obama’s
healthcare reform. As someone who lived through the Civil Rights
Movement in Virginia, she seeks to remind those around her about both
how far we have come and the work we have left to do. Her and her
husband, who both worked from high school through retirement, live in
Petersburg, Virginia.
Erica Chain, California
At 27 years old, Erica was diagnosed with a life-threatening
brain tumor. She applied to every health insurance provider she
could think of, but was denied coverage due to a pre-existing
condition. Thanks to the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
(PCIP) under the Affordable Care Act, Erica was able to get access
to treatment. Due to PCIP, Erica was able to get the surgery she needed
in order to stay alive and the rehab to reach a full recovery.
Erica works at Rock Health and Silicon Valley Bank-Analytics to support
the digital health and venture eco-system and resides in San Francisco,
California.
Lily Griego, Colorado
Lily is a single mother working two jobs. Thanks to Pell Grants,
financial aid, and Lily’s hard work, her son has been able to attend
college.
Kenyetta Jones, Ohio
Kenyetta is a 27-year veteran at the General Motors Powertrain Plant in
Toledo, OH, and is a mother of two college-aged daughters. Kenyetta was
laid off for 13 months during the economic downturn in 2009, but she
never gave up hope that she would get back to work. After a year
without full-time employment, Kenyetta was notified that she would be
returning to work because of the President’s intervention to rescue the
auto industry.
Liz McCartney, Louisiana
Liz McCartney is the co-founder of the St. Bernard Project (SBP), a
non-profit organization whose mission is to provide
disaster-impacted communities with a prompt, efficient and predictable
path to recovery. Liz and her husband launched SBP,
initially a post Katrina home rebuilding program, when they moved
from Washington, DC to New Orleans in 2006. SPB has rebuilt
hundreds of homes in New Orleans and in Joplin, Missouri through
its affiliate Rebuild Joplin. SBP has recruited over 70,000
volunteers and AmeriCorps members since inception to support its
efforts. SBP is also working closely with stakeholders in New York and
New Jersey to help rebuild communities devastated by Superstorm Sandy.
SBP's co-founders have received numerous awards and recognition for
their work. In 2008, Liz was awarded the Hero of the Year award by
CNN Heroes. In 2011, she was recognized as a White House Champion
of Change.
Rob Hach, Iowa
Rob and his wife Tara started Anemometry Specialists, a small business,
10 years ago in the renewable energy field in Alta, IA. Rob has
been involved in the wind energy business since 1994, learning the
ropes from some of the early pioneers of the wind energy industry. Rob
has grown his business over this past decade and now has 31
employees. Anemometry Specialists was named the Iowa Small
Business of the Year in 2010.
David Hall, Washington, DC
Following in the footsteps of his father and stepfather, David joined
the Air Force in March 1996. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and
graduated as a distinguished graduate from Airman Leadership School.
After reenlisting for another four years, he applied for Air Force ROTC
and was selected under the Professional Officer Course – Early Release
Program. He was excited to receive a pilot slot but was dis-enrolled
for “homosexual conduct” in August 2002 after a fellow cadet told his
commanders that he is gay. Following the Air Force, David worked on the
successful repeal of DADT through Out Serve – SLDN.
Petty Officer Second Class Taylor Morris, Iowa
Petty Officer Second Class Taylor Morris is currently assigned to the
Navy Safe Harbor Wounded Warrior Program at Walter Reed National
Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. While assigned to
Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 12 based out of Joint
Base Charleston, Charleston, South Carolina, Morris was injured by an
IED blast during his first deployment to Afghanistan. His
injuries resulted in the amputation of both of his legs, his left arm
and his right hand. Petty Officer Morris is the recipient of the Purple
Heart and the Bronze Star.
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