The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Readout of the President's Call with the Miami Heat

This afternoon, the President called head coach Erik Spoelstra to congratulate the Miami Heat on their second consecutive NBA championship.  On the call, the President noted the Heat’s relentless determination in what was an historic season for the team and their MVP, LeBron James.  The President told Coach Spoelstra that he looks forward to congratulating the team once again at the White House.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Notice -- Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to North Korea

NOTICE
- - - - - - -
CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY
WITH RESPECT TO NORTH KOREA

On June 26, 2008, by Executive Order 13466, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701-1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula. The President also found that it was necessary to maintain certain restrictions with respect to North Korea that would otherwise have been lifted pursuant to Proclamation 8271 of June 26, 2008, which terminated the exercise of authorities under the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. 1-44) with respect to North Korea.

On August 30, 2010, I signed Executive Order 13551, which expanded the scope of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States posed by the continued actions and policies of the Government of North Korea, manifested by its unprovoked attack that resulted in the sinking of the Republic of Korea Navy ship Cheonan and the deaths of 46 sailors in March 2010; its announced test of a nuclear device and its missile launches in 2009; its actions in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCRs) 1718 and 1874, including the procurement of luxury goods; and its illicit and deceptive activities in international markets through which it obtains financial and other support, including money laundering, the counterfeiting of goods and currency, bulk cash smuggling, and narcotics trafficking, which destabilize the Korean Peninsula and imperil U.S. Armed Forces, allies, and trading partners in the region.

On April 18, 2011, I signed Executive Order 13570 to take additional steps to address the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 and expanded in Executive Order 13551 that will ensure the implementation of the import restrictions contained in UNSCRs 1718 and 1874 and complement the import restrictions provided for in the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.).

Because the existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula and the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466, expanded in scope in Executive Order 13551, and addressed further in Executive Order 13570, and the measures taken to deal with that national emergency, must continue in effect beyond June 26, 2013. Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466.

This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Message -- Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to North Korea

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13466 of June 26, 2008, expanded in scope in Executive Order 13551 of August 30, 2010, and addressed further in Executive Order 13570 of April 18, 2011, is to continue in effect beyond June 26, 2013.

The existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula, and the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea that destabilize the Korean Peninsula and imperil U.S. Armed Forces, allies, and trading partners in the region continue to constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency with respect to these threats and maintain in force the measures taken to deal with that national emergency.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Letter from the President -- Regarding the War Powers Resolution

Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Certain U.S. forces recently deployed to Jordan solely to participate in a training exercise. This exercise ended on June 20, 2013. At the request of the Government of Jordan, a combat-equipped detachment of approximately 700 of these forces remained in Jordan after the conclusion of the exercise to join other U.S. forces already in Jordan.

This detachment that participated in the exercise and remained in Jordan includes Patriot missile systems, fighter aircraft, and related support, command, control, and communications personnel and systems. The detachment will remain in Jordan, in full coordination with the Government of Jordan, until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed.

The deployment of this detachment has been directed in furtherance of U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, including the important national interests in supporting the security of Jordan and promoting regional stability, pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct U.S. foreign relations and as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive.

I am providing this report as part of my efforts to keep the Congress fully informed, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148). I appreciate the support of the Congress in these actions.

Sincerely,

BARACK OBAMA

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

President Obama Announces Another Key Administration Post

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

  • Lee E. Goodman – Commissioner, Federal Election Commission 

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individual to a key Administration post:

Lee E. Goodman, Nominee for Commissioner, Federal Election Commission

Lee E. Goodman is a Partner with LeClairRyan, a position he has held since 2005.  Previously, he worked as Counsel at the law firm Wiley Rein LLP (formerly Wiley Rein & Fielding LLP) from 2002 to 2005 and as an Associate from 1990 to 1995.  Mr. Goodman worked for the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia as Deputy Counselor to the Governor and Deputy Director of Policy from 1999 to 2002, and as Special Counselor to the Governor from 1998 to 1999.  In 1997, Mr. Goodman served as Counsel to the Attorney General of Virginia.  From 1995 to 1996, he was a Special Assistant Attorney General and Associate General Counsel at the University of Virginia.  Mr. Goodman received a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

  • Denise Bauer – Ambassador to Belgium, Department of State
  • John Berry – Ambassador to Australia, Department of State
  • Reuben E. Brigety, II – Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with rank of Ambassador, Department of State
  • James “Wally” Brewster, Jr. – Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Department of State
  • Dan Clune – Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Department of State
  • Linda Thomas-Greenfield – Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State
  • David Hale – Ambassador to the Republic of Lebanon, Department of State
  • Michael A. Hammer – Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, Department of State
  • Terence McCulley – Ambassador to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Department of State
  • Terrell McSweeny – Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission
  • Brian A. Nichols – Ambassador to the Republic of Peru, Department of State 
  • David D. Pearce – Ambassador to Greece, Department of State
  • Lori Gilbert – Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
  • Ann Ravel – Commissioner, Federal Election Commission
  • Jon T. Rymer – Inspector General, Department of Defense

President Obama said, “These men and women have demonstrated knowledge and dedication throughout their careers. I am grateful they have chosen to take on these important roles, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Denise Bauer, Nominee for Ambassador to Belgium, Department of State

Denise Bauer is Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Belvedere Community Foundation in Belvedere, California.  Ms. Bauer was Finance Chair for Women for Obama from 2011 to 2012, and served on the Obama for America National Finance Committee from 2011 to 2012 and from 2007 to 2008.  From 2008 to 2012, she served on the Democratic National Committee, serving as Chair and Co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Forum and as Co-chair of the National Issues Conference.  Prior to this, Ms. Bauer worked in television news and public affairs.  From 1993 to 1994, she was a Public Affairs Officer for the American Red Cross Bay Area in San Francisco.  From 1990 to 1992, she was a freelance film and video producer in Los Angeles, and from 1988 to 1990, she was the News Producer for the North American Bureau of Nine Network Australia in Los Angeles.  She began her career in television in 1985 as a Field Producer and Researcher for KCBS-TV News in Los Angeles.  Ms. Bauer received a B.A. from Occidental College.

John Berry, Nominee for Ambassador to Australia, Department of State

John Berry served as the Director of the Office of Personnel Management from April 2009 to April 2013.  Previously, he was the Director of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park from 2005 to 2009, and the Executive Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation from 2000 to 2005.  From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Berry served as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at the Department of the Interior.  From 1995 to 1997, he was Director of Government Relations and Senior Policy Advisor at the Smithsonian Institution.  He joined the federal government in 1994 as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement at the Department of Treasury.  Before joining the Department of Treasury, Mr. Berry was the Legislative Director for U.S. Representative Steny Hoyer.  Mr. Berry received a B.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park and an M.P.A. from Syracuse University.

Dr. Reuben E. Brigety, II, Nominee for Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with rank of Ambassador, Department of State

Dr. Reuben E. Brigety, II, is a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of African Affairs at the Department of State.  Prior to his current role, he was a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.  From 2008 to 2009, he was Director of the Sustainable Security Program at the Center for American Progress.  During this time, he also served as a senior advisor for Development and Security to the U.S. Central Command Assessment Team.  From 2007 to 2008, he was Special Assistant to the Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance at the U.S. Agency for International Development.  Dr. Brigety was an Assistant Professor of Government and Politics at George Mason University from 2004 to 2009, and an Assistant Professor of International Relations at American University from 2003 to 2004.  From 2001 to 2003, he was a researcher for Human Rights Watch.  Dr. Brigety served as an officer in the U.S. Navy from 1995 to 2000.  He received a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England.

James “Wally” Brewster, Jr., Nominee for Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Department of State

James “Wally” Brewster, Jr. is the Senior Managing Partner for SB&K Global, a brand strategy and consumer dynamics consulting firm based in Chicago, Illinois.  Before starting SB&K Global in 2010, he was an Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications with General Growth Properties (GGP), a real estate investment trust headquartered in Chicago.  Prior to joining GGP in 1996, Mr. Brewster worked in management at several real estate companies in Texas, including The Rouse Company and the DeBartolo Corporation.  Earlier in his career, he held marketing and management positions with Carla Francis, Inc. and the Jim Collins Company in Dallas, Texas.  Mr. Brewster is a National LGBT Co-Chair for the Democratic National Committee and currently serves on the Board of the Human Rights Campaign. 

Dan Clune, Nominee for Ambassador to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Department of State

Dan Clune, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, is an Assessor on the Board of Examiners in the Bureau of Human Resources at the Department of State.  From 2010 to 2012, he was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.  From 2007 to 2010, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra, Australia.  From 2005 to 2007, he was the Director of the Department of State Office of Monetary Affairs, and from 2002 to 2005, he was Director of the Department of State Office of Economic Policy and Public Diplomacy.  Mr. Clune served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, The Bahamas from 2000 to 2002.  Previously, he was the Trade Advisor at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development from 1998 to 2000.  In Washington, his earlier assignments include Director for Middle East in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 1997 to 1998, and Economic Officer in the European Affairs Bureau from 1990 to 1992.  He has also served overseas at the U.S. Embassies in Lima, Peru and Jakarta, Indonesia.  Mr. Clune received a B.A. from Boston College and a J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, with the rank of Minister-Counselor, is Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources.  She is also Chairman of the Board of Foreign Service.  Previously, from 2008 to 2012, she was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia.  From 2006 to 2008, she was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau for African Affairs, and from 2004 to 2006, she was a Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.  Other assignments have included overseas postings in Nigeria, The Gambia, Kenya, Jamaica, Pakistan, and Switzerland.  From 1991 to 1993, she served as a Staff Assistant in the Office of the Director General of the Foreign Service.  Prior to joining the Department of State in 1982, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield taught Political Science at Bucknell University.  Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield received a B.A. from Louisiana State University and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin.

Ambassador David Hale, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Lebanon, Department of State

Ambassador David Hale, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career-Minister, is Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.  He previously served as Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Peace.  From 2008 to 2009, he was a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs.  Prior to that, Ambassador Hale served as U.S. Ambassador to Jordan from 2005 to 2008.  Previously, he served at the U.S. Embassy in Jordan as Charge d’Affaires from 2004 to 2005 and as Deputy Chief of Mission from 2003 to 2004.  He served in Lebanon as Deputy Chief of Mission from 1998 to 2001, and as a Political Officer from 1992 to 1994.  He also served overseas in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.  In Washington, he served as Director of the Office of Israel and Palestinian Affairs from 2001 to 2003, and Executive Assistant to the Secretary of State from 1999 to 1998.  Ambassador Hale joined the Foreign Service in 1984.  He received a B.S.F.S. from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service.

Michael A. Hammer, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, Department of State

Michael A. Hammer, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, is Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of State.  Previously, he was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of State.  From 2009 to 2011, he was Special Assistant to the President, Senior Director for Press and Communications, and National Security Council Spokesman at the White House.  Previous assignments at the National Security Council include Director of Andean Affairs from 2000 to 2001 and Deputy Spokesman from 1999 to 2000.  Since joining the Foreign Service in 1988, Mr. Hammer has served abroad in Bolivia, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark.  He has also served in the Department of State’s Operations Center and as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.  Mr. Hammer received a B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, an M.A.L.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and an M.S. from the National War College at the National Defense University.

Ambassador Terence McCulley, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Department of State

Ambassador Terence McCulley, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, is the U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  Previously, from 2008 to 2010, he was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark.  From 2005 to 2008, he was the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Mali.  He served as Deputy Coordinator for Iraq Assistance at the Department of State from 2004 to 2005.  He previously served as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassies in Tunisia from 2001 to 2004, Senegal from 1998 to 2001, and Togo from 1995 to 1998.  He has also served overseas in Niger, South Africa, Chad, and India.  In Washington, he was Desk Officer for Zaire in the Office of Central African Affairs from 1993 to 1995.  He received a B.A. from the University of Oregon.

Terrell McSweeny, Nominee for Commissioner, Federal Trade Commission

Terrell McSweeny is Senior Counsel (Competition Policy) in the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice, a position she has held since 2012.  Prior to this role, Ms. McSweeny served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor to the Vice President at the White House from 2009 to 2012.  In 2008, she served as the Issues Director for the Vice President on the Obama for America campaign.  Previously, from 2005 to 2008, Ms. McSweeny worked in the Senate for Vice President Biden, serving as his Deputy Chief of Staff and as Counsel on the Senate Judiciary Committee.  She was an Associate in 2005 and Law Clerk from 2001 to 2003 with O’Melveny & Myers.  From 2003 to 2004, she was the Deputy Director of Policy for Clark for President.  In 2000, she served as Assistant to the National Spokesman on the Gore/Lieberman 2000 Campaign.  She worked as a News Director with the Allegheny Mountain Radio Network from 1998 to 2000, and began her career as a Director of Development and Instructor with the High Rocks Education Corporation, where she worked from 1997 to 2000.  Ms. McSweeny received an A.B. from Harvard University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law School.

Brian A. Nichols, Nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Peru, Department of State

Brian A. Nichols, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs at the Department of State.  He previously served in this bureau as a Deputy Assistant Secretary from 2010 to 2011.  From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Nichols was Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia.  From 2004 to 2007, he was Director of the Office of Caribbean Affairs in the Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.  From 2001 to 2004, he was a Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.  Mr. Nichols joined the Foreign Service in 1989 and his first assignment was Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru.  He has also served overseas in Mexico and El Salvador.  He received a B.S. from Tufts University.

Ambassador David D. Pearce, Nominee for Ambassador to Greece, Department of State

Ambassador David D. Pearce, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career-Minister, is Senior Deputy Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Department of State.  Prior to his current role, he was Assistant Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012.  From 2008 to 2011, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Algeria.  From 2005 to 2008, he was the Minister Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, during which time he served on two excursion tours to Iraq in 2007 and 2008 to serve as a Senior Advisor to Ambassador Ryan Crocker.  From 2003 to 2005, Ambassador Pearce was Chief of Mission and Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.  Additional overseas posts include: Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria and Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  Prior to joining the Foreign Service in 1982, Ambassador Pearce worked for nearly a decade as a reporter and foreign correspondent.  He was a writer and editor for The National Geographic Society, The Washington Post, United Press International, The Rome Daily American, and the Associated Press in Ohio.  He received an A.B. from Bowdoin College and an M.A. from The Ohio State University.

Lori Gilbert, Nominee for Member, Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Lori Gilbert is the News Director for the Elko Broadcasting Company (KELK AM/KLKO FM).  She is also the News Director of KENV Television in Elko, Nevada.  Ms. Gilbert served on the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting from 2008 to 2012, where she was Chair of the Community Engagement and Diversity Committee in 2012 and Chair of the Public Awareness initiative from 2010 to 2011.  From 1998 to 2010, Ms. Gilbert was an adjunct instructor of Journalism at Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada.  She served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Associated Press Television and Radio Association.  In 2007, she was inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. 

Ann Ravel, Nominee for Commissioner, Federal Election Commission

Ann Ravel is Chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, a position she has held since March 2011.  Prior to this, she served as Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Torts and Consumer Litigation in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 2009 to 2011.  Previously, she served in a number of positions in the Santa Clara County Counsel's Office, most recently as the County Counsel from 1998 to 2009.  Ms. Ravel served as an elected member on the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California.  She was a member of the Judicial Council of the State of California and Chair of the State Bar of California’s Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation.  Ms. Ravel received a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. 

Jon T. Rymer, Nominee for Inspector General, Department of Defense

Jon T. Rymer is the Inspector General (IG) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, a position he has held since 2006.  From May 2012 to January 2013, he was also the interim IG of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  From 1997 to 2004, he was a Director at the accounting firm KPMG LLP.  He was Executive Vice President at Boatman's Bank of Arkansas from 1992 to 1997, and Executive Vice President at First American National Bank of Tennessee from 1981 to 1992.  Mr. Rymer is a 33-year veteran of the active and reserve components of the U.S. Army.  He is a Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army Reserve.  He serves on the Council of Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency as a Member of the Executive Council and as Audit Committee Chairman.  Mr. Rymer received a B.A. from the University of Tennessee and an M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

James B. Comey, Jr., of Connecticut, to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a term of ten years, vice Robert S. Mueller, III, term expiring.

James C. Miller, III, of Virginia, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for the term expiring December 8, 2017. (Reappointment)

Anne J. Udall, of Oregon, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation for a term expiring October 6, 2016.  (Reappointment)

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

White House Announces New Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs

Today, President Obama announced the appointment of Caroline Atkinson to be Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics, replacing Michael Froman, who was recently sworn in as United States Trade Representative.  Atkinson has served as Special Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs since August 2011. 

For the last two years, Atkinson has played a central role in the Administration's response to the European financial crisis, supported work in the G-8 and G-20 and led the interagency efforts on the economic response to the Arab Spring.  In her new role, Atkinson will be the President’s personal representative to major international economic summits, including the G-8 and the G-20.  She will serve as the President’s senior international economic advisor, coordinating the policy-making process and driving the execution of policy on international economic affairs, including financial, trade and investment, development, energy and environmental issues.

“Caroline is respected around the world for her understanding of how the global economy works, her tireless efforts to promote strong, balanced and sustainable growth and her experience in managing international financial crises,” said President Obama. 

Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Atkinson was a senior executive in the International Monetary Fund.  She has previously served in the United States Department of the Treasury as Senior Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Monetary and Financial Policy from 1997-2001, as a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, as a Senior Director at Stonebridge International and as a Head of Division on Regulatory Policy at the Bank of England.  Atkinson began her career as a journalist for the Washington Post, the Economist, and the Times of London.

Atkinson was born in Washington, D.C. She received her undergraduate degree from Oxford University.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

James Donato, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice James Ware, retired.

Beth Labson Freeman, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice an additional position in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 133(b)(1).

Jennifer Prescod May-Parker, of North Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of North Carolina, vice Malcolm J. Howard, retired.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

President Obama Announces Intent to Nominate Three to Serve on the United States District Court

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Barack Obama nominated James Donato, Judge Beth Labson Freeman and Jennifer Prescod May-Parker for District Court judgeships.

“I am pleased to nominate these distinguished individuals to serve on the United States District Court bench,” said President Obama.  “I am confident they will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice.”

James Donato:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California

James Donato is a litigation partner in the San Francisco office of Shearman & Sterling LLP, where he has worked since 2009.  His practice concentrates on antitrust litigation and class action lawsuits.  Previously, Donato worked at Cooley LLP from 1996 to 2009 and served as a Deputy City Attorney in the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office from 1993 to 1996.  Beginning in 1990, he spent three years working as an associate at Morrison & Foerster LLP.  He began his legal career as a law clerk for Judge Procter Hug, Jr., on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1988 to 1989.  Donato received his J.D. in 1988 from Stanford Law School, where he was an Executive Board member of the Stanford Law Review.  He received his A.M. in 1984 from Harvard University and his B.A. in 1983 from the University of California at Berkeley.  In 2008, he was President of the Bar Association of San Francisco. 

Judge Beth Labson Freeman:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California

Judge Beth Labson Freeman has been a Judge on the San Mateo County Superior Court since 2001 and was elected by her colleagues to serve as Assistant Presiding Judge from 2009 to 2010 and Presiding Judge from 2011 to 2012.  In her role as a judge, Judge Freeman has presided over a broad array of civil and criminal matters.  Prior to her appointment to the bench, she was Deputy County Counsel at the San Mateo County Counsel’s Office from 1983 to 2001.  She began her legal career by working at the law firms of Lasky, Haas, Cohler and Munter, from 1981 to 1983, and Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver, and Jacobson, from 1979 to 1981.  Judge Freeman received her J.D. in 1979 from Harvard Law School and her B.A. in 1976 from the University of California at Berkeley. 

Jennifer Prescod May-Parker:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina

Jennifer Prescod May-Parker is the Chief of the Appellate Division at the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of North Carolina, a position she has held since 2010.  She has served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 1999 and, in that capacity, has prosecuted a broad spectrum of cases at both the trial level and on appeal.  From 1998 to 1999, May-Parker worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Environmental Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice.  She began her legal career by serving as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office from 1991 to 1998.  May-Parker received her J.D. in 1991 from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School and her B.A. in 1988 from the State University of New York at Geneseo.