Barack Obama nominates Indian-American as Ambassador to Sweden

Washington, Oct 24: President Barack Obama has nominated a major fundraiser for his presidential campaign Indian-American Azita Raji as the US Ambassador to Sweden. A former investment banker, California-based Raji served as national vice-chair of finance for Obama's presidential campaign in 2012.

Considered as a top bundler, Raji had helped raise more than USD 500,000 for Obama's 2012 campaign. Raji's nomination was announced along with several other key administrative positions by White House.

"These fine public servants bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their important roles. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," Obama said in a statement.

Raji is a Member of the President's Commission on White House Fellowships, a position she has held since 2013. She is engaged in various leadership roles with several civic and non-profit institutions in New York and the District of Columbia.

She has also served as a Commissioner of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Since 2013, Raji has served as a Director of the National Partnership for Women and Families, a Member of the Bretton Woods Committee, and an Advisory Board Member of the Economic Advisory Council at the Center for American Progress.

In addition, she has been an Advisory Board Member of the Columbia Business School Social Enterprise Program since 2011, and a Trustee and Executive Committee Member of Barnard College at Columbia University since 2010.

Raji was also a Founding Co-chair and Advisory Board Member of Athena Center for Leadership Studies at Barnard College from 2009 to 2013. A Member of the Institute for Chartered Financial Analysts since 1991, she held senior positions at several firms, including J.P. Morgan Securities.

She was National Finance Vice-Chair for Obama for America in 2012. Raji received a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

PTI