Rufus Gifford, former ambassador to Demark, is about to return to the United States Department in the role of the Chief of Protocol. It is in this position Gifford will advise President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in matters of diplomatic protocol both nationally and internationally.
Gifford served as a deputy campaign manager in Biden’s campaign focusing on finance and policy and also served as a spokesperson for the campaign. Gifford becomes the latest LGBTQ appointee to the Biden administration joining Pete Buttigieg, who Biden announced as the incoming Secretary of Transportation and making Buttigieg the first openly gay Cabinet Secretary.
Gifford recently shared on his Instagram account a picture of himself and his husband Stephen DeVincent on their first date 11 eleven years ago posed with then Vice-President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden at a holiday party at the Vice President’s residence.
Once confirmed, Gifford will be the latest in the around 30 chief of protocols for the State Department which includes former child star Shirley Temple Black who served in the role from 1976-1977 under President Gerald Ford.
Gifford posted his top nine most popular Instagram photos of 2020 to his Twitter account which included photos he considered “were so many reasons to smile and celebrate and hope along the way.”
And while there were many tears shed, my #topnine2020 remind me there were so many reasons to smile and celebrate and hope along the way.
We welcome you with open arms 2021. 💫💫
May yours be one of health and happiness my friends. 🤗😘
— Rufus Gifford (@rufusgifford) December 30, 2020
Best tweet I’ve ever sent.
Nearly midnight on election night when most of you saw the election going the way of 2016.
Never lose faith. Change is coming.
Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Best wishes to each and every one of you for a happy and healthy 2021. 🇺🇸🎄🎅🏼🎁 https://t.co/1YFHynDmeX
— Rufus Gifford (@rufusgifford) December 24, 2020
Sources: Axios, U.S. Department of State, Rufus Gifford Official Instagram Account, Rufus Gifford Official Twitter Page, CBS Boston Official YouTube Channel
