Staff Bios
Cindy S. Moelis, Director
Cindy S. Moelis was appointed by President Obama to serve as the Director of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships on April 21, 2009. Founded in 1964 by President Johnson, the White House Fellowship is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. The mission of the Fellowship is to give promising young leaders “first hand, high-level experience in the workings of the Federal government and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.” As Director, Ms. Moelis is responsible for administering all aspects of the unique and prestigious non-partisan program.
Prior to her appointment, Ms. Moelis served as the Executive Director of the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, where she supported efforts to improve Chicago’s public education system and started a youth running program to promote health. Earlier in her career, Ms. Moelis promoted social justice and youth development as an assistant to Chicago’s Mayor, Richard M. Daley for social policy, program officer at the Steans Family Foundation, and as the Executive Director of a citywide youth development project for the President of the MacArthur Foundation.
Ms. Moelis holds an undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a J.D. from Stanford Law School. She resides in Washington, D.C. with her spouse, Robert Rivkin, General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Transportation, and their three wonderful children: Stephanie, Claire, and Alexander. Claire and Alexander attend school in Washington, D.C. and Stephanie attends Yale University.
Erika Henderson, Deputy Director
Erika Henderson serves as the Deputy Director. Previously, she served as the Education Director, following almost a year working for Obama for America on the National Advance Team. Prior to that, she worked over 15 years in the field of higher education. Erika is originally from Houston, Texas. She received a B.S. in Business Management and a M.A. in Counseling from Hampton University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education from George Washington University.
Natalie Bookey Baker, Education Director
Natalie Bookey Baker joined the Fellows staff as the Education Director, after working for the Chief of Staff in the Office to the First Lady. Prior to her work for the First Lady, Natalie worked on the Finance Team for the Presidential Inaugural Committee as well as for Obama for America where she worked for nearly two years. Before joining the campaign Natalie lived in Chicago and worked as a news writer for a local television station. Natalie is originally from Des Moines, IA and is a graduate of George Washington University.
Pandoria Nobles-Jones, Administrative Officer
Pandoria Nobles-Jones has served as the Administrative Officer since March 2000. Prior to the White House Fellows Program, she worked at the Library of Congress and the National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia. She is married and resides in the District of Columbia.
