Valerie Jarrett – Co-Chair: Obama-Biden Transition Project

Jarrett serves as the CEO of the Habitat Co., a real-estate management company that is a somewhat controversial court-appointed overseer of Chicago's public housing. Jarrett hired Michelle Obama to work in Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's office in 1991 and has been close to both Obamas ever since. She's considered one of their closest confidantes. She also has a tie to the Washington establishment through her great-uncle, power broker Vernon Jordan.

She has been mentioned as a candidate to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Jarrett raised at least $100,000 for Obama's presidential campaign.