Director's Biography
Janet Slaughter Eissenstat
Janet Eissenstat was appointed by President Bush to serve as Director of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships on January 3, 2005. The mission of the White House Fellows Program as envisioned by its founder, President Johnson, is “to give the Fellows first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the federal government and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.” As Director, Mrs. Eissenstat is responsible for administering all aspects of the unique and prestigious non-partisan program.
Prior to her appointment, Mrs. Eissenstat served in the Bush Administration as Assistant Chief of Protocol for the United States of America where she managed the team responsible for coordinating activities related to the visits of Chiefs of State, heads of government and other dignitaries traveling to the United States on official and private business. She also provided logistical support and assistance to the President and the First Lady in advance of, and during, their official visits abroad. Her official duties in the Office of the Chief of Protocol included accompanying presidential delegates chosen to represent President Bush at international events such as inaugurations and state funerals. As Assistant Chief of Protocol she also frequently served as the President's representative at official functions involving the diplomatic community in Washington.
Mrs. Eissenstat is the former President of Slaughter Strategic Communications, a management consulting firm specializing in strategic communications planning, executive coaching and crisis communications. Prior to founding Slaughter Strategic Communications, she served as a national spokesperson for the American Bankers Association and as Vice President and Managing Director of Spaeth Communications. She has held senior staff positions on high profile political campaigns and has extensive experience advising political candidates. Her background includes serving as Organizational Director of the Republican Party of Texas, Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the Victory 2000 National Finance Committee and as Director of Public Liaison for the 2001 Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Mrs. Eissenstat studied international business and political science at Oklahoma State University before earning her Master's Degree in business administration from the University of Oklahoma. She resides in Alexandria with her husband, Everett Eissenstat, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Americas.
