If you're a general manager at the Ritz-Carlton, you possibly own one of the best hospitality jobs in the world. The Ritz-Carlton brand of hotels represent luxury, service, and for years have catered to guests seeking the best in a hotel. Aside from Ritz-Carlton rivals, could you jump ship to a more prestigious position? Sure, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai boasts 7-star status (even though it isn't technically recognized by the hotel industry as a true rating.) but as far as past history and current events go, the White House in Washington DC is arguably the place to come at the apex of your hospitality career.
The grandest hosting gig in the land: The White House — Photo courtesy of Tom Lodhan
Angella Reid, the former General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, decided to leave the hotel chain to do just that. This week the White House announced that Reid was to become its first-ever female Chief Usher, replacing retired Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon. Reid has the experience necessary to lead a management staff, having served in Ritz-Carlton properties all around the United States. However, dealing with state dinners and high-profile guests is a completely different ballgame.
So what does the Chief Usher of the White House do, exactly? For one, they are in charge of the entire household staff which serves not only the White House Complex but also the Executive Residence, home of President Barack Obama and his family. The Chief Usher coordinate general housekeeping and maintenance, they must also lead logistical operations for visits by heads of state or any other guest that the White House hosts in any given week. Not only that, the Chief Usher has the additional task of making sure that the historical preservation of the 218 year old building is maintained-- no easy task considering the White House plays host to thousands of guests each year.
