Michael Brush, 37
Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Advance and Operations, White House
Hometown: Stirling, New Jersey
How did you get here?
My first experience with Presidential Advance work was being a volunteer driver in 1999 when President Clinton visited Boston, MA.
While in college at Northeastern University, I was able to do some Advance work for Senator John Kerry and following graduation I was able to work full time for his Presidential campaign from 2003-2004.
The friends I made on that campaign led me to an opportunity to work on Senator Obama’s campaign in 2007-2008.
Following the 2008 election, I was able to work on the 2009 Inauguration and started in the White House Advance Department a week later where I have worked since.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career?
I was fortunate enough to have a mentor in Tom Keady, who currently works at Boston College. He took me under his tutelage to show me the ropes of how to become a good Advance person. One principle that he always had that I still try and follow to this day is: “To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late. To be late is to be forgotten.”
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment during the Obama administration?
Being able to lead an extraordinary group of 20 hard-working and dedicated individuals that comprise the White House Advance Department in executing hundreds of domestic and foreign trips for the President. Executing the logistics for the President’s visit to Cuba in March 2016 definitely stands out as an accomplishment.
Can you describe your time working for the Obama administration in 10 words?
Honored, Fortunate, Humble, Exhilarating, Stressful, Fun, Teamwork, Loyalty, Logistics, Acumen
Complete the sentence: “When I’m not working, I…”
When I’m not working, I am still on call 24/7, so honestly the only time I have felt disconnected from this job was a one week honeymoon following my wedding in December 2013.
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