Selwa “Lucky” Roosevelt

It’s not a government job that gets a lot of attention or media coverage.

Photo: National Council of US-Arab Relations

But the office of U.S. Chief of Protocol is a uniquely sensitive position. If done right, no one even notices. But if done wrong, it can spark an international crisis.

Former journalist Selwa Roosevelt — always known as “Lucky” — was Chief of Protocol under :resident Ronald Reagan, from 1982 to 1989. That’s longer than anyone else has ever served in that position.

I met Lucky Roosevelt the year after she left the government.

Here now, from 1990, Selwa “Lucky” Roosevelt.

During her tenure, Lucky Roosevelt presided over more than 70 state visits and restoration of the historic Blair House in Washington.

In 2012, President Barack Obama awarded Lucky Roosevelt a presidential commendation for her government service.

Lucky Roosevelt is now 91.