Richard Cordray Appointment and Summer Jobs+ Event: Deputies' Download

In a speech in Ohio on Wednesday, President Obama appointed Richard Cordray to be the first Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Cordray, a career public servant who most recently served as the Attorney General of Ohio, followed through on the President’s message of “We Can’t Wait” by taking steps to increase oversight of “non-bank” financial services on his second day in office. Prior to his remarks, President Obama met with William and Endia Eason at their Cleveland home. The Easons were victims of predatory lending by a mortgage broker and almost lost their home.

The appointment gives Americans a powerful advocate in one of the places where they need it most and is a critical aspect of the President’s plans to reform Wall Street. This empowerment of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau came on the heels of another significant victory for the middle class: the extension of the payroll tax cut.

The President reiterated his “We Can’t Wait” message on Thursday during a presentation before business and community leaders at the Summer Jobs+ event held at the White House. In light of Congressional Republicans blocking the American Jobs Act, President Obama is doing everything he can to get results now. Through the 180,000 summer jobs already pledged by the public and private sectors (with an additional 70,000 jobs expected), and the handy summer job bank, the Administration will connect young people with employers that will provide meaningful work experience.

Summer Jobs+ is an extension of President Obama’s plan to win the future by cultivating America’s human capital and making every American the very best that they can be. Early on-the-job experience will teach the youngest generations the skills that they need to get good, secure jobs later in life.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the economy at Shaker Heights High School,Shaker Heights, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2012. Richard Cordray, former Ohio Attorney General and nominee as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shares the stage with the President. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

President Barack Obama greets neighbors outside the home of William and Endia Eason in Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 4, 2012. The President visited the Easons, who almost lost their home after falling victim to a predatory lender, to discuss the need for a strong Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Blog Highlights

• President Obama Outlines a New Global Military Strategy
• Regional Roundup: Richard Cordray Will Protect American Consumers
• National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
• Investing in Puerto Rico’s Transportation Infrastructure
• State and Local Officials, Colleagues Support Cordray Appointment
• From the Archives: President Obama Signs the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act
• Helping Small Businesses to Drive Innovation
• Department of Homeland Security Releases U Visa Law Enforcement Certification Resource Guide
• Weekly Address: Working Together in the New Year

Champions of Change Program

The Champions of Change series is designed for people to look into their communities and nominate everyday heroes who are demonstrating commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or their fellow citizens. That is why we are looking for you to nominate someone who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community as a “Champion of Change.”

On Thursday, December 15th, ten local leaders who are helping to give back to their communities were honored as Champions of Change. These men and women, who include non-profit leaders, community activists and mentors, have each taken great strides to improve the lives of others through charitable work, faith and advocacy. Watch a video from the event to learn about how these Champions are making a difference in communities across the nation.

Get Involved

The application for the Summer 2012 White House Internship Program is now open, and the application deadline is January 22, 2012. The mission of the White House Internship Program is to make the "People’s House" accessible to future leaders from around the nation, and to cultivate and prepare those devoted to public service for future leadership opportunities. The programs and opportunities of the White House Internship Program make for days filled with unique learning experiences, thought-provoking conversation, and unforgettable events. Visit obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/internships to learn more about the White House Internship Program and to apply.

The White House Fellows program is the nation’s most prestigious program for leadership and public service. Founded by President Johnson in 1964 to engage emerging leaders in public service, the Fellows Program provides exceptional young men and women with first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Fellows spend one year in Washington, DC working in the offices of Cabinet Secretaries, White House staff, and other high-level Executive Branch officials. The Fellows Program is non-partisan, highly competitive and seeks people who have distinguished themselves through their work and dedication to public service. To learn more, we invite you to view the White House Fellows video chat in which the Program Director Cindy Moelis and former Fellows Anish Mahajan and Erica Jeffries recently answered questions about the application and the Fellowship experience. Applications for the White House Fellowship can be found online at obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/fellows. The deadline for completed applications is January 13, 2012.

For more information about ways to get involved now, check out the Office of Public Engagement’s blog, which is updated daily with upcoming engagement opportunities. Follow Jon Carson, Director of the Office of Public Engagement, on Twitter @JonCarson44. Also, take time to browse our Engage webpage, and check out Serve.gov for opportunities to personalize your long-term service.

Get Updates

For more information, visit the White House Office of Public Engagement website and blog and sign up for additional opportunities.

We welcome your thoughts and feedback at public@who.eop.gov.