The Office of the White House Liaison (OWHL) provides staff support to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and senior-level Department officials on policy and operational matters specifically dealing with the Schedule C and non-career executive personnel of the Department.

Functions of this office include, but are not limited to, overseeing the appointment process for executive positions throughout the Department, appointments of people from outside of Commerce to Department boards/commissions based on the qualifications set forth in the charter, preparing special reports, and managing specific projects at the request of Secretarial Officers.

Miscellaneous Programs of the Office of the White House Liaison

• Vacancy Reform Act Reporting to GAO
• Clearance of Charter Renewals
• Foreign Delegation Clearances from Department of State
• Details
• Security Clearance Upgrades

This office also oversees the Department of Commerce Office of White House Liaison Internship Program. The mission of DOC OWHL Internship Program is to engage and empower developing leaders with a passion for public service and expose them to the work of political appointees at the Department of Commerce. Interns gain unique experience though their placement in one of several DOC offices under the supervision of a political appointee. Outside of their placement offices, interns have the opportunity to attend and participate in professional development workshops, speaker series with department leaders, volunteer opportunities, and special events.